Search
 

                                       

 
   

 

Home

Services Offered
About Counseling
Group Counseling 
Practicum Opportunities
How to Make a Referral
Coping with Trauma
Employment
FAQs
Contact Us
Resources

 

 

 


Coping With Trauma

Self Care After a Traumatic Event

Dealing with Traumatic Experiences: Self Care  &  Care for Others

Suggestions on Ways to Care for  Yourself after a Traumatic Event or Disaster:

  • Don’t be isolated
  • Use natural support systems, friends, families, & co-workers
  • Communicate your experience with those close to you or keep a diary.
  • Avoid telling stories in a repetitive way that may deepen the trauma.
  • Watch news in time limited intervals and then turn the news off.
  • Focus on your personal resources, the things that make you feel calm,
  • strong, and grounded.  Don’t get  preoccupied with the things you can’t control.
  • Do things that allow you to get your mind off the trauma: watch a movie, knit, garden, cook, play with children or a pet.
  • Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest.  If having difficulty sleeping, try some relaxation exercises before bedtime.  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs.
  • Establish or re-establish routines.
  • Avoid making major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs.
  • Volunteer to help by donating blood or send money to victims.
  • Get involved in groups, lead by trained professionals, that process the traumatic event.  

 

What to Expect after a Traumatic Event:

  • Emotional Reactions: shock, fear, denial, grief, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, feeling numb or empty, diminished ability to feel interest, pleasure, and love
  • Physical Reactions: tension, fatigue, edginess, insomnia, bodily aches or pain, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, nausea, change of appetite, change in sex drive.
  • Cognitive Reactions: confusion, disorientation, worry, shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, recurring thoughts or nightmares, unwanted memories
  • Interpersonal Reactions: distrust, conflict, withdrawal, work problems, school problems, irritability, loss of intimacy, being over-controlling

 

2001 DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60604 | Disclaimer