Ways to Ease Stress
- Talk with someone about how you’re feeling. Even though it may be difficult, it is one of the most effective coping methods.
- Remind yourself that it’s okay to not be okay.
- Don't hold yourself responsible for the traumatic event.
- Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them (i.e. healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation, etc.).
- Develop and maintain a daily routine.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Participate in memorials, rituals, and use of symbols as a way to grieve and express your emotions.
- Use existing support groups such as family, friends, or church.
- Establish an emergency plan if applicable. Feeling that there is something that you can do can be very comforting.
When to Seek Help
If self-help strategies don’t seem to be working or you find that you are using drugs/alcohol in order to cope, you may wish to seek professional assistance with your stress symptoms
