Going through a trauma can have a horrible impact on your mental health, and you might have felt as though the trauma itself was the worst part. This is soon proven wrong when you try to adjust to life post-trauma, only to notice that very few aspects of your life have stayed the same.
But there are ways that you can soothe and improve your mental health after a trauma. It takes time, and it will definitely be a difficult journey to feel happy and healthy once more, but you can get there.
Here are seven steps to get yourself on the path to recovery:
1. Acknowledge That the Trauma Has Occurred
This is probably one of the hardest steps to take, but it is essential in order to start the healing process. Acknowledging that the trauma has occurred means accepting that your life has changed and that you will never be the same person as you were before.
It is important to understand that this is not a bad thing, and that change can be positive. But in order to move on from the trauma, you need to first accept that it has happened.
2. Give Yourself Time to Grieve
Grieving is a natural and necessary part of the healing process. It is important to allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that come with grieving, and to understand that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Some people might find it helpful to talk about their grief with friends or family, while others might prefer to keep it to themselves. There is no wrong way to grieve, so do whatever feels right for you.
3. Seek Professional Help
Seeking professional help is often vital in order to improve your mental health after a trauma. A therapist can help you to work through the emotions that you are feeling, and to understand the impact that the trauma has had on your life.
Therapy can be incredibly helpful, but it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. If you do not feel comfortable with the first therapist that you see, do not be afraid to try someone else.
It might take some trial and error, but you’ll know when you have found the right therapist for you. Some therapy providers support unique ways to mend the mind, such as canine, feline or even equine therapy. One such mental health clinic has been created by Equinox Psychologists.
4. Avoid Numbing Your Emotions
It can be tempting to numb your emotions after a trauma, but this is not a healthy way to deal with your pain. Numbing your emotions can prevent you from working through the trauma, and it can also lead to addiction.
If you find yourself numbing your emotions with alcohol or drugs, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you deal with addiction, and you do not have to struggle alone.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is essential after a trauma. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. It might also mean taking time for yourself to do things that you enjoy.
Self-care can be difficult after a trauma, but it is essential. Taking care of yourself will help you to feel better both physically and mentally, and it will also help you to deal with the trauma.
6. Stay Connected to Your Support System
Staying connected to your support system is crucial after a trauma. Your support system might include your friends, family, therapist, or any other people that you feel comfortable talking to.
Staying connected to your support system will help you to feel less alone, and it will also give you people to talk to when you are struggling. If you do not have a support system, there are many resources available to help you find one.
7. Give Yourself Time
One of the most important things to remember is that healing takes time. There is no timeline for healing, and it is important to give yourself the time that you need.
The healing process can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you will get through it. Take things one day at a time, and be patient with yourself.
