As a result of extreme stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), life can be challenging and unpredictable. Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts might pop up at any time, making it difficult for you to perform at your best.
Avoiding the people, places, and circumstances that set off these memories and flashbacks can be a wise and effective strategy at times. However, relying solely on avoidance can lead to more difficulties than it solves. In trying to escape these feelings, you may cause further isolation, anxiety, or a sense of entrapment due to your traumatic experience.
So, it’s best to be prepared with a wide range of resources. Here are several various Trauma Recovery Retreat coping mechanisms.
Introduce a tolerance window
The “Window of Tolerance” concept helps you communicate your current mood. A window indicates good health and function and a traumatic stress response beyond the window.
In the beginning, you may have a limited ability to understand and stabilize brutal truths or terrible recollections. Stress and worry can produce anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, emotional shut-down, intrusive thoughts, dissociation, and overwhelm.
Managing challenging content, emotions, and physical stimuli/sensations increase your opportunities. “Handle” is knowing where you are, the time, and who you’re with. This goes along with being able to feel without becoming overwhelmed. In the present, you can experience and think simultaneously.
Happy and unpleasant emotions might help you select and practice WoT approaches. Knowing your window, triggers, and tools help people gauge your limit.
Verify What You’ve Learned
Regardless of how you feel about it, what you’ve been through is genuine and painful. As a result of severe stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is clear that you are not to blame for how you feel.
No matter what anyone says, there is nothing wrong with you, and what you’re experiencing is a normal reaction to unusual circumstances. Since self-validation is a crucial part of the Trauma Healing Retreat plan, it’s necessary to keep reminding yourself of this.
Practice Slow and Deep Breathing
This tool is entirely free and can be done at any time and location. It would help if you took a deep breath and a lengthier breath out via your nose or mouth, either via your nose or pursed lips.
Breathe for three counts, hold for two, and release for 6 to 8 counts is a good starting point for beginners. Doing so activates a section of your nerve system that aids in self-calming for your body. Remaining in the present moment and clearing your mind are two benefits of doing this.
Make Use of a Gravity Blanket Or Weighted Clothing
A common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety. Inability to focus and perform well at work or school can be the result of not receiving enough of the right kind of sleep.
Irritation can result, which can harm critical connections. The use of a blanket, which mimics the feeling of being safely and firmly held or embraced, has been shown in studies to help reduce anxiety and insomnia.
You deserve calm and presence. These strategies can help you manage traumatic stress and start healing. Visit our PTSD Treatment Centers to recover quicker.