It happens all of a sudden. Tragedy strikes and your world is upended. Without warning, your once ordered days are plunged into chaos and confusion and you’re left wondering “what’s next?”. In the wake of the event, you can find yourself struggling to adjust to your new reality. So what can you do to move past the crisis?

First things first, you should cut yourself some slack. If you find yourself afraid that something bad will happen again, that’s normal. It’s called rational regression and is a natural reaction to trauma. Next, be patient with yourself. Irrational fear is when you are afraid, even though there is no threat present. We can experience irrational fear after reacting to rational fear. If you experienced an injury during your traumatic event, you may experience fears while your body heals. However, you will heal. Emotionally and physically. Know that what you are experiencing now is not permanent.

You will heal. Emotionally and physically. Know that what you are experiencing now is not permanent.

When something traumatic happens, you may find yourself asking “what if this happens again?”. Stop. Something traumatic happened, and you got through it. If something traumatic happens again, you will get through it again. Don’t waste your time worrying about “what ifs”.

Don’t feel guilty for surviving. When you survive a traumatic event, know that there is a reason. Do not feel guilty. Instead, find the purpose and live it out. Lastly, do not be afraid to reach out for help. There is no weakness in asking for help from friend, family, or mental health professionals.

If you or someone you love is struggling because of a recent or past traumatic event you can find help here.