Dr. Marissa Robinson: Depth Therapy & Wellness

https://indepth-wellness.com//overcoming-the-negative-eff/

https://indepth-wellness.com//anxious-about-past-mistakes/

Strategies for Coping with Trauma The devastating fires in Northern California have impacted many lives, both directly and indirectly. As a psychologist, I work with trauma survivors. Providing crisis support over the last few days for people who have been injured, evacuated, and endured severe loss; I also see the impact on emergency responders. Mobilizing a support system and self-care practices are critical for all those impacted. Here are a list of strategies for cop...ing with a traumatic event: Connection: Reach out to friends, family, therapists, and community. Isolation can prolong and worsen the impact of trauma and acute stress. Stay Active: Walk, cycle, yoga, swim, stretch, or any gentle movement. Find ways to keep your blood flowing and get your body moving. Release Feelings: Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. Cry, yell, laugh, sing, whatever you need to do, repression will block your emotional recovery process. Nutrition: Avoid over-use of stimulants (caffeine, sugar, nicotine). Eat balanced meals. Foods high in tryptophan (ie: turkey, nuts, seeds, oats, beans, eggs) boost serotonin levels, which can help support mood and relaxation. Daily commitment to something personally meaningful. Process your experience with someone who is supportive and empathic. Meditation and/or Prayer Creativity: Art, music, writing, dance, or any creative outlet Hot baths Humor Rest & Relaxation Hugs, physical contact, time with loved ones Proactive involvement with community, stay engaged, give and receive support. Normalize: It is normal to have a wide range of both emotional and physical responses to sudden traumatic events. These reactions can occur in anyone who has experienced the trauma either directly or indirectly. A stress response can be triggered by persons, places, or things associated with the trauma. It’s important to remember that a sudden traumatic event impacts your nervous system as a whole. Understand your recovery process: Restoring equilibrium or finding a new equilibrium after trauma can take time. Regaining your balance emotionally and physically is a process. Be patient and kind with yourself as you recover. Contact a therapist who specializes in trauma if your are overwhelmed or find yourself in need of higher levels of support. There are various types of therapy, such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, which are specifically designed to address symptoms of PTSD and healing trauma.