The News Triggers PTSD Trauma

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Coping With Resurfacing Trauma

Do you struggle with memories of past trauma that’s been triggered by recent news coverage? The current news and political climate can be more PTSD trauma triggering than ever!

With all the focus on difficult topics like sexual assault, immigration, and natural disasters, it can be difficult to separate current events from your own trauma history. It does takes time, courage and support to learn how to deal with these reminders.

How To Deal With News Triggered PTSD Trauma

• Do engage your senses and/or use physical activity to self-soothe. When you have difficult emotions come up, take time to engage in self-care. You can do a self-soothing activity that stimulates your senses in a nurturing way. Like take a long warm bath, get a massage, use essential oils, spend time in nature, get elbow-deep in dirt by gardening.

  Go for a walk, run, dance to a favorite song. Our senses are very much involved in the ways that we store memories. We can combat and even create new memories through our senses by engaging in some of the activities that bring calm.

• Do channel your feelings by writing perhaps in a journal about your traumatic memories and experiences and/or describe what feelings have been triggered as you write. You may find writing poetry a way to help express your emotions without focusing on the actual trauma. Any way you do it writing is often an effective coping for difficult memories.
• Do practice mindfulness to stay in the present moment rather than being overwhelmed by memories of past traumas or thinking with worry about the future.

  By simply focusing on your breath you are practicing being mindful! Of course, your mind will wander and when it does just gently bring it back to notice your inhales and exhales. Doing this will help change you physiological responses to upsetting images and emotions by clearing your mind of the past.

Reach for support from others

• Do talk with somebody with whom you feel safe.
• Do find a therapist who you can trust. Therapy is a long-term solution for learning how to cope effectively with trauma, flashbacks, and other post-traumatic stress symptoms. Finding the right therapist for PTSD Treatment can really make a difference; it is worth the investment.
• Do call NOW if you find yourself in need of immediate assistance! Don’t wait call the national Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990

  Or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to be connected with a trained, caring counselor for emotional support.

  Both the DDH and Lifeline are available 24/7/365 and your calls are free and confidential.

  The DDH also has a texting option (text TalkWithUs to 66746; standard messaging/data rates apply). The Lifeline also offers text and chat options, which can be accessed by texting 988.

What coping tools will you use today?

If you’re struggling with past traumatic experiences, reaching out for help can be the first step towards healing.

Do Contact me today! I specialize in PTSD Treatment.

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI
Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools