Trauma can suddenly affect anyone. People all process traumatic experiences differently. Therefore, one person may walk away from an unfortunate situation unscathed while others fall victim to post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have been impacted by PTSD, you are not alone. There are a series of coping mechanisms you can try to help lessen the severity and duration of the disorder.

Talk to a Professional

Talking to a mental healthcare professional can greatly improve your situation. Rey Health can help connect you to an online therapist or health coach. You may feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger at first, but you should remember that they are licensed, experienced, and nonjudgmental.

Talk to Family and Friends

You should never take your personal support network for granted. Family and friends can be wonderful confidants. They may or may not have experience with trauma, but they know you. You might be surprised at what they’ve noticed, and you’ll likely feel better getting things off your chest.

Get Writing

The benefits of writing are multifaceted. If you don’t feel ready to talk about your emotions and struggles, write about them. You can consider a diary, an anonymous blog, or an online support group. On the other hand, you can explore creative writing. It’s an outlet to relax and express yourself without putting too much emphasis on trauma.

Practice Meditation

Learning to meditate can bring some peace into your life. Whether you opt for longer sessions or a few minutes a day, your well-being will improve. Putting a hold on any unwanted racing thoughts can enhance your mood and lead to improved sleep.

Work It Out

Setting a workout routine is useful for your mental and physical health. You can pick a fitness plan that suits you. Some people find cardio distracting, while others find that weight lifting takes off their edge. Yoga is a popular choice for relaxation. You can use your workout as alone time to reflect or bring a friend for bonding.

Educate Yourself

You should take some time to learn about post-traumatic stress disorder. Understanding your condition is an important step in improving. A little research can teach you the symptoms, how common it is, what helps, what can make it worse, and more.

Learn Your Triggers

Things like certain sights, sounds, items, and events may intensify your PTSD. You should familiarize yourself with those triggers. Learning what they are can help you identify why they add to your stress, anxiety, and depression. In turn, you can learn to avoid or overcome them.

Enjoy Nature

Getting out into nature helps many people with their PTSD. All of your senses can be engaged with an outdoor outing. Exercising or relaxing in the sunshine and fresh air may be what you need to have a positive start to your day. It can also help break the monotony of your regular work routine.

You didn’t have a choice when you acquired post-traumatic stress disorder, but you do have a choice on how you respond. Keep trying healthy coping mechanisms until you find the best ones for you.