Trauma is often the result of experiencing a deeply distressing event involving dangerous or life-threatening circumstances, such as being in a workplace accident, experiencing a natural disaster, the sudden death of a loved one, experiencing assault, being in combat, or being the victim of political violence. The majority of adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, however not all those who experience a distressing event will go on to develop trauma anxiety-related disorders, such as PTSD. Many will have an adjustment period following the traumatic event where they may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, despair, or replay fearful memories. However, roughly 8-9% will develop a trauma disorder, that greatly impacts their mental health, quality of life, and wellbeing. PTSD, trauma anxiety, adjustment disorder, depression, and substance abuse are common conditions that follow exposure to a traumatic event. Experiencing trauma or the aftermath that follows the event is not the victim’s fault and there are many resources available to help you, or someone you know who is struggling to cope with their trauma-related mental illness, anxiety, or PTSD.
How to cope with trauma anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions
1. Speak with a trained trauma counselor or PTSD therapist
Therapy, counseling, and other mental health services are some of the most beneficial tools for improving mental illness. In therapy, you will speak with a trained professional who understands your experience, the complexity of your illness, and the barriers to healing. Trauma-informed therapy is often centered around talking; however, each professional will have their own approach to ensure you receive the best and safest care.
2. Seek out community to help relieve symptoms of trauma anxiety
A common symptom and side-effect of experiencing a traumatic event is the tendency to isolate afterward, which can perpetuate and worsen symptoms of mental illness, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Try and remain close to friends, family, and other support networks to further support your mental wellbeing.
3. Share your experience with trauma and PTSD
There’s a reason psychotherapy is based on talking. Sharing how you are feeling and what you’re experiencing helps! Just be sure to share in a safe environment, with either a trained professional, experienced facilitator or with those you trust. Although talking it through can help, sharing can also be a trigger, so don’t feel pressure to share your story right away, you can work up to this and practice it first with your counselor or therapist.
4. Focus on lifestyle factors
Although changing lifestyle habits is not a treatment or cure for mental illness on its own, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, limited alcohol, and stress management have all been shown to support mental health in a variety of ways.
Please know that you don’t need to struggle with your mental illness by yourself, you can feel relief from your painful memories, trauma anxiety discomfort, and other PTSD symptoms. Just remember to stay open-minded, healing is not linear and often takes time, but the right treatment program is out there for you. Consider options such as psychotherapy, medication, My Recon Therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, or group therapy. If something hasn’t worked in the past, now is the time to try something new.
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