When we have experienced a trauma, it’s completely natural to have feelings of fear, anxiety and distress. Sometimes these feelings go away by themselves, but sometimes trauma can have a bigger impact, affecting our mental and physical health, work, relationships and everyday lives.

Image credit

Here are a few helpful strategies for healing trauma:

Look for support

The most important step in healing trauma is to look for support. This could be through a talking-based therapy such as counselling, or via support groups with others who have been through the same thing.

Online therapy is now very much a possibility too. It can be useful for some, and studies have shown that it is as effective as face-to-face sessions for treating PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Reach out to others

It can be very difficult to tell those close to you what you’re going through, but it’s really important to make your loved ones and your workplace aware.

Supporting an employee recovering from trauma can feel daunting, but specialist providers such as Tidal Training offer trauma informed training and guidance which can help promote a supportive workplace.

Record your feelings

Some people find that recording their feelings on a daily basis is a good way to work through negative emotions, stress and anxiety. This could be through journaling, a comic, a blog, or whatever works best for you.

Self-care

Practising good self-care is essential for reducing stress and anxiety. Try to eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and give yourself time to do things you enjoy. This could be a long, hot soak in the tub, reading a book or watching your favourite TV show.

Image credit

Get moving

Studies have shown that exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. It doesn’t have to be anything too vigorous. Taking a walk or doing a few minutes of gentle pilates is enough to release feel-good endorphins and help the body’s healing process.

Everyone’s journey to recovering from trauma is unique. But it’s important to know that there are many things you can do to help yourself along the way.