When people go through a traumatic event, they can experience trauma-related stress. This stress can make daily life difficult as it impacts you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Knowing how to manage trauma-related stress can help you live a productive life while working through the stress that your trauma caused. Healing Foundations Center is committed to helping people deal with all types of traumas and the stress they cause while providing them with the necessary coping techniques.
What is Trauma-Related Stress?
Trauma-related stress can occur after someone has a terrible experience, witnesses a disturbing event, or has repeated exposure to painful events. Trauma-related stress can present itself in many different ways. It can result in many different trauma disorders, such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Secondhand Trauma
The type of stress someone experiences will vary from person to person, as everyone deals with stress differently. While people may react to traumatic stress differently, many common reactions include:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of appetite
When people begin to experience these symptoms, it can impact all areas of their lives, making it difficult to function.
How to Deal with Trauma-Related Stress
Grounding Techniques
Deep breathing is an excellent technique for dealing with trauma-related stress.[1] Inhale through your nose and exhale for longer than you inhale. Doing this several times to a consistent rhythm can help calm your body so that you can think clearly.
Relaxation Exercises
Practicing relaxation exercises, such as yoga, can help to reduce stress. The various yoga poses can help to promote flexibility, as well as relieve tension.[2] The great thing about yoga poses is that they can help to release physical blockages such as muscle knots. Yoga is also known to promote the release of endorphins. These feel-good hormones can help you better handle stress. You can follow many simple YouTube videos at home for easy yoga exercises to try. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Personalized Coping Plan
Developing a personalized coping plan can also help you better handle stress. Determine what activities best help you deal with stress. These can include exercise, deep breathing, art, journaling, or whatever else keeps you calm.
Eat and Sleep Well to Deal With Trauma Related-Stress
The type of food you eat can impact your mood and how you deal with stress. If your diet consists of processed, fast food and sugary snacks, it can make trauma-related stress symptoms worse. Trading these foods for fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins can make your body stronger and more apt to deal with stress.
Practice Positive Thinking
Thinking of something positive or that makes you happy can help to relieve stress. Focusing on this positive thought can impact your body and emotions.[1] There is a belief that focusing on this positive thought for only 12 seconds can help to reduce stressful thinking.
Laugh Often
While you may have seen many signs saying “laugh often,” there is a benefit. Research shows that laughter can help to reduce stress because it reduces hormones that boost your immune system and work to rewire your brain. So, find a funny movie or a funny friend, and have a good laugh!
Set Realistic Goals
Some people get stressed when they have unrealistic goals. Setting smaller, more realistic goals can help reduce this stress. When you reach these goals, you can feel more confident, which can give you the self-esteem boost you need.
Find a Support System
Having friends and family, you can talk to about your experiences can help reduce stress. If you feel that you can speak to them about your traumatic event, it can also help. Finding a support system through a therapy group can also help if you feel uncomfortable talking with family and friends. Many times, people find others who are going through similar experiences and find comfort in this. This can help to reduce stress as well.
Find a Routine
Being disorganized and not knowing what will happen next can trigger stressful feelings. Having a routine, a schedule to follow, and being organized can not only reduce stress but can increase feelings of accomplishment, which always has positive consequences.
Seeking Help for Trauma-Related Stress at Healing Foundations Center
The team at Healing Foundations Center provides a variety of treatments for trauma-related stress. We tailor a plan so that each person receives the help they need. We also help people realize their triggers and develop coping mechanisms. Our team has the experience that our patients can rely on to deal with many different types of traumas.
If you are dealing with trauma-related stress, let Healing Foundations Center help. Contact us today to learn more about our various programs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nami.org/recovery/7-tools-for-managing-traumatic-stress/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/yoga-for-stress#how-it-works