Mental health: Recovery tips to overcome Trauma

Avoid isolation. One may want to withdraw from others, but isolation only makes one feel more distressed. Connecting to others will help one heal, so make an effort to maintain your relationships and avoid spending too much time alone.Asking for support. It’s important to talk about one’s feelings and ask for the help when needed. Turn to a trusted family member, friend or a counselor.Participating in social activities, even if one don’t feel like it. Engage in normal activities with other people which have nothing to do with the traumatic experience. If one has retreated from relationships that were once important to them, they should make the effort to reconnect.Seeking solace in social activities that one enjoys helps a great deal.Joining a support group for trauma survivors. Being with others who are facing the same problems can help reduce ones sense of isolation and hearing how others cope can help build inspiration.Volunteer. As well as helping others, volunteering can be a great way to challenge the sense of helplessness that often accompanies trauma. Remind oneself of their strengths and reclaim the sense of power by comforting or helping others.Taking care of one’s health and having a healthy body, mind increases your ability to cope with stress from a trauma.Get plenty of sleep. After a traumatic experience, worry or fear may disturb one’s sleep patterns. A lack of sleep can make one’s trauma symptoms worse and make it harder to maintain emotional balance. One should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.Avoid alcohol and drugs as their use can worsen one’s trauma symptoms and exacerbate feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.Exercise regularly. Regular exercise boosts the mind and body and other feel-good brain chemicals. It also boosts self-esteem and helps to improve sleep. For maximum results, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity on most days.Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help one keep the energy up and minimize mood swings. m.kaitesi@yahoo.comWhile one may be drawn to sugary foods for the quick boost they provide, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. Reduce stress. Making time for rest and relaxation will help bring life back into balance. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.