Traumatic events, such as serious illness, divorce, or death of a loved one, can take an incredible toll on your well-being. Feelings of fear, shock, and anger are common following trauma, as well as thoughts of depression or suicidal thoughts. Recovery looks different for everyone, so don’t ignore your feelings or pressure yourself to “get over it.” Here are some tips to help you move forward after emotional trauma.

Trauma and Recovery

The fallout from a traumatic event can leave you feeling stuck and in need of trauma treatment. It may be tempting to think there’s something wrong with you, but that’s simply not true. Your emotional state is a response to a difficult event; it doesn’t define you. Knowing that recovery is possible can go a long way toward helping you get better.

Trauma Therapy Tip: Connect With Others

People often feel helpless after a difficult event. One way to regain a sense of control over your life is to volunteer in the community. Even if you’re not up to volunteering, connecting with others in small ways, such as greeting a neighbor, can help you feel less isolated. Seek out support from trusted friends and family too. You don’t have to talk about the traumatic event if you’re not ready. Just spend quality time with people you’re close to.

The Importance of Self-Care: Take Time to Relax

Self-care is especially important during recovery. Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events can make you feel as though you’re constantly on edge. Make a point to find some down time regularly to enjoy a good book, a warm bath, and other activities that bring you joy and help you relax. When you feel especially stressed, take deep breaths– focusing on breathing out– to calm yourself. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be effective in managing stress, too.

Mental Health Treatment Can Be Physical Too

Exercise, even gentle yoga, releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormone that improves mood, energy levels, and motivation. Thirty minutes of active movement is recommended each day, but if you can’t make time for those half-hour sessions, try three 10-minute exercise breaks instead. Physical activity, when paired with mindfulness, can be especially beneficial in helping you move forward after trauma.

Seek Professional Mental Health Help

Through individual and group counseling, trained professionals provide psychological trauma therapy that teaches survivors about stress-management, processing painful memories, and handling repressed emotions. Lake Behavioral Hospital offers comprehensive treatment, which may include inpatient services, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient trauma counseling, for adults who have experienced emotional trauma.