Surviving a Traumatic Event

Images on a television are hard to watch for many during a devastating event. People loose everything, separated from loved ones for days even weeks, sometimes evacuated to strange cities not knowing if they would ever be able to return home. Emotions run high — shock turns into grief and anger as the harsh reality set in. But how do people put their lives back together and move on? How do people deal with a traumatic event whether it is natural disaster such an earthquake, the loss of a loved one, or even a lay-off from a job? There are a number of ways, according to mental health professionals at The Methodist Hospital. In the aftermath of a traumatic event people should get themselves to a safe place, surrounded by caring people, before beginning the recovery process. It is good to be in a safe place, have basic needs met and have someone around that is trusted— it doesn’t need to be a professional therapist necessarily.

It helps to tell the story, sometimes repeatedly. Talking it out can help the process, put things in perspective and can help alleviate the stress of the situation. Feeling safe and supported calms us down so we can start thinking clearly and reaffirms that there’s good in the world. Other ways to manage increases in the level of stress that follows a life-changing event is focusing on the basics first: creating a routine, getting sleep and maintaining good nutrition, as well as exercising to keep the mind and body healthy.

Additional focuses should include:
• Allow time to mourn and grieve. Start a journal to help work through emotions.
• Have hope, which can be borrowed from others by talking to counselors or clergy.
• Begin actively solving problems by seeking out and taking advantage of relief that is provided.
• Reassure your children that you care about them and understand their fears, and respond to their questions in a way that they will understand. Play with them — they too may be worried.

But when all feels lost, there is hope. People should “continue to find ways to create and savor positive emotions and experiences,” including gratitude, optimism, laughter, pleasure and amusement. Set new goals on getting to a better place emotionally

For more information regarding this article or to talk with an patient representative please use the following contact information:

Methodist International Services
6560 Fannin ST 220
Houston, Texas 77030
Telephone: (713) 441-2340
Fax: (713) 793-7097
Email: methodistinternational@tmh.tmc.edu