It’s very common to be more anxious in the first month after a traumatic event. Trying to avoid situations, thoughts or persons that are reminders of the traumatic event is also very common.
Â
Sleeping problems
- In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, it’s common not wanting to be or sleep alone.
- These anxieties will decrease over time.
- Establish a bedtime ritual (reading, listen to an audio book or podcast, review the day, etc.).
- Try to ensure that you have no excitement one hour before bedtime (video games, TV, etc.).
- If you have trouble falling asleep, try to listen to an audio book, podcast or music.
Â
Excessive worries
- It’s very common to have more worries and concerns after experiencing a traumatic event. Take your time to find out what kind of worries you have.
- Sometimes it’s difficult to say what’s upsetting you. Many find it helpful to write their feelings and worries down (e.g. in a journal).
- Try to talk to your friends and family about worries and fears. Talking about it often feels liberating and thus helps.
- Increase your feelings of safety by always carrying a lucky charm with you.
Â
Avoiding speaking about the traumatic event
- Often, it’s difficult to tell what’s upsetting.
- Try to talk to your friends and family about worries and fears. Talking about it feels often liberating and thus helps.
Â
Fear of things, people or places which remind you of the traumatic event
- Fear of trauma-related reminders is very common after a traumatic event.
- To avoid trauma-related reminders such as specific places or people is common. The longer you avoid such things, the longer this behavior will last.
- It’s normal to be scared by bad memories. Often, these memories and worries will go away over the next weeks.
- Remembering something doesn’t mean experiencing it again. Memories are always about something in the past.
- Try to face fearful situations with courage. Reward yourself if you succeeded by e.g. going to the movies, meeting with friends, etc.