TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH
TRAUMA
For most people, a traumatic event can be followed by mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use. Therefore it also impacts their relationships with family, friends, and at work.
WHAT COUNTS AS TRAUMA?
- Bullying
- Invalidation
- Witnessing violence
- Serious injury and accidents
- Health crisis
- Witnessing the death of loved ones
- Poverty
- Natural disasters
- Spiritual attacks and abuse
- Toxic friendships
- Gaslighting
- Emotional neglect
- Constant bickering
- High-stress environments
- Breakups
- Constant moving
- Racism
- Misogyny
- Ableism
- Toxic parenting
- Religious discrimination
- Homophobia, transphobia, biphobia
- Political events
- A pandemic
- Divorce
- Loss of job and financial crisis
- Unemployment and homelessness
- Mental health issues
- Domestic violence, rape, shaming, and many more things
TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH
SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA CAN BE
PSYCHOLOGICAL OR EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
HOW TO HEAL FROM TRAUMA?
There is no limit for trauma, it cannot be measured or rated. It is relative to each person. So do not invalidate your trauma and do not validate others’ traumas as well.
MOVE ON
Try to move on by distracting yourself. And also practice mindfulness in the work or activities you are doing. Take up new hobbies. So do not be hard on yourself. Pray and add meditating exercises to your daily routine.
DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF
When you isolate yourself from the post-traumatic event, your mind will play tricks on you. As a result you may start overthinking which will eventually be triggering. So seek help from your loved ones and get over your negative thoughts. Socialize and make new friends.
DO NOT SURROUND YOURSELF WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE
When you surround yourself with negative people, there are fewer chances of healing. As a result of this you think negatively. Hence find the right people to seek help. So Focus on yourself and love yourself.
STAY AWAY FROM ADDICTIONS
Do not take support from alcohol or drugs. Just face your demons. So accept that you are a human and you need to heal from your bad experiences. Taking support from addictions can make your situation worse. Because you may have to seek help even for these addictions later.
GET BACK TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Get back to your daily routine and prepare a routine if you do not have one. Being productive can also help workaholics. Because that is one of the methods of escape.
