Post-Traumatic Coping Strategies: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

Even when you have gotten past the times of trauma, the flashbacks haunt you when you least expect them. It is never ‘that’s it’ if you are dealing with traumatic experiences. We never see those wounds evading or leaving us alone for a long time. Not to mention, how adversely they affect us afterward. Be it war, death, or abuse of any kind, there are plenty of life events that can result in post-traumatic stress disorders.

Sadly, when something like this happens, it is strenuous to ascertain what has happened. Moreover, it is arduous to finding and implementing a coping strategy. Precisely, it is very difficult and challenging to find a healthy coping strategy.

Since every experience stands unique, we will talk about some time-tested skills and thought-provoking statements instead of concrete steps. For Instance,

Accept the change within you and in your surroundings that has occurred due to the traumatic event. Then, separate the good change from the undesirable ones. After identifying the undesired changes, work with or around them, or even reframe them as a great growth opportunity. Emotions are natural, so whatever you feel is normal. However, if things feel out of the norm, do consult a professional. Regardless, the intensity and frequency of these waves of emotion will lessen as time goes on.

Having acknowledged these statements, let’s begin with healthy coping strategies.

HEALTHY POST-TRAUMATIC COPING STRATEGIES

Though you might have heard about them, yet they are ineffective if not implemented in the correct order. So, read below the starting steps of the trauma treatment and alleviate your stress.

There are certain activities that you should try. Generally, counselors call them in a toolbox that everyone who faces trauma should possess. The toolbox contains nothing but activities like deep breathing, relaxation skills, and meditation skills. Circular breathing is the most common exercise for such people. You begin by taking a slow breath in while counting till five in your mind. Then hold your breath for five seconds at the top of your breath. Now, release the breath slowly, while again counting till five. And, hold on again at the bottom of your breath for another five seconds. Try this cycle, you will feel detached from the agony of the outer world.

After engulfing a significant amount of time in circular breathing, make time for unleashing your hidden talent and hobby. Give your long-lost hobby your much-needed attention and keep the waves of flashbacks at bay. Not only that, but also seek new activities, hobbies, or sport that you can partake in.

Start socializing. Just pen down all the people you know you can trust and count on during hard times. Call them, talk with them, and explain to them why you need a helping hand or someone who can act as your listening post or sounding board.

Lastly, seek people with similar experiences in life and have come out on the other side. Connect with them and listen to their stories to learn how you can use their won battle to enhance your recovery skills.

There are many more such tactics for you but not all of them are healthy. Read on to know some of the unhealthy coping strategies for traumas.

Unhealthy Coping Strategies

Overeating: This one is very common but also an unhealthy one. Food should be consumed as per your bodily needs, not as per your mood as that can cause weight issues.

Substance Use: This one often has detrimental consequences because if the consumption goes out of control, you might get addicted.

Oversleeping: One of the common escapes for such people, it is not at all the solution to any emotional issue.

Overspending: Though some counselors suggest retail therapy, it is not an actual therapy at all. It doesn’t make sense to spend more, in order to avoid your problems.

Avoidance: No, you can’t avoid what happened. In fact, the only way to conquer this battle is to face and beat every inch of it.

Last but not the least, despite utilizing healthy ways to get past all your traumas, if your functioning seems to be decreasing, know that it’s time to seek professional help.