At many points in our lives, we all have to face difficult events.
Sometimes, these can be completely overwhelming, leaving us feeling as though we can’t cope and don’t know which way to turn.
However, there are ways you can try and reprogram your mind so you’re better able to work your way through this traumatic time.
Whether you’re facing a visit to divorce lawyers or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, here are some key tips that’ll help you refocus your mind.
1) Don’t Force Yourself to Feel a Certain Way
When something happens to us, we may feel as though we have to react in a certain way. But there is no right or wrong way to respond to trauma.
Instead, let your emotions out, don’t hold them in. You need to give yourself time to go through all these emotions, whatever these may be. Ignoring your feelings will only slow the recovery period, and they’ll still sit in the background even if you try to ignore them.
Even those intense, overbearing feelings you may be experiencing at present will eventually start to subside – but only if you acknowledge them from the offset.
2) Try Not to Constantly Relive the Event
While it’s natural to have flashbacks to events or to go over things that have been said or done, try not to obsess over this. This can really take its toll on your mental health and may stop you from thinking clearly.
When you do feel as though you’re going back to this dark place, try to focus your mind on something else. Keep yourself busy with day-to-day things like playing with the kids, watching a movie, or cooking dinner.
3) Reform a Routine
It’s easy to let your routine slide when you face difficult circumstances. But even if you aren’t going to school or work at this moment in time, try to re-establish some kind of routine for yourself.
This could be as simple as setting the alarm for a certain time, cooking meals for the family, or allocating time to relax and spend with friends and family.
Having structure will help give you some comfort, and will reduce the likelihood of traumatic stress, hopelessness, and anxiety.
Finally, as well as the above, you should always feel as though you can ask someone for support. Talking through your emotions and the event will help you come to terms with it. And don’t be afraid to cry when you talk about it initially, this is completely natural and will help.
