We have wrote a lot about trauma and such experiences on our website.
The hardest thing a human can experience in their lifetime is definitely losing a child.
Since you are here, you have lost someone you loved so much, which inevitably left scars on your mind, body, and soul.
As a bereaved parent, you know very well that such an event doesn’t come alone.
Parents who have lost a child face a complex and difficult journey toward healing.
Our e-book clearly shows how the grieving journey goes, but as we always say, it is important to remember that the road to healing recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and there are various coping mechanisms that can support the emotional and psychological recovery of trauma survivors.
Let’s see what truly helps to overcome trauma in at least a bit easier manner:
1. Support.
The first and the most important thing is to get any sort of support that suits you.
Some will surround themselves with people who have experienced the same, while others will seek professional therapy. Read more about the most effective sorts of therapies for trauma.
Do whatever suits you but be sure that you at least find some support for those dark days.
Later, you may get stronger and realize how your individual and solitude grief journey can be helpful as well.
Creating a safe and structured environment is always a way to go.
2. Staying in the present moment.
As a trauma survivor, you will probably think a lot about what happened, which will bring you back to the past.
Anxiety will raise, together with depression. Some people will develop PTSD as well.
What’s important is to always try to stay in the present moment. Learning to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment helps to break free from patterns of reactivity and develop greater emotional resilience.
Mindfulness and meditation are recommended.
3. Get your body moving.
It’s no secret that sports are very helpful not only for maintaining our physical health, but also mental health.
A good run or a badminton match with friends can make your body release endorphins.
Those natural chemicals are mood elevators. When we regulate our mood, we definitely feel more in control of our well-being.
If you don’t like sports, we recommend trying yoga.
4. Express your feelings through art.
If you have taken a better look at our website, you’ve probably saw that we also have an art section.
Expressing your feelings through art has a therapeutically benefits, especially when it comes to complex emotions such as trauma and grief.
Don’t know how to verbalize what you are feeling? Draw it – it doesn’t matter if you are good at drawing or not.
5. Remind yourself that healing is a long process.
It is very important not to be strict to yourself. Trauma survivors often have self-esteem issues, especially if they blame themselves for not being able to save someone who is now lost.
People who lose a child usually become overly critical to themselves about everything.
Restructuring your beliefs and thoughts is a must. This brings more realistic perspective and provides hope for tomorrow.
If you are not feeling okay today, don’t tell yourself that you won’t feel okay ever again.
I am 100% sure that you are making progress every single day. Sometimes, it will look like you are going on step forward and two steps back. Remind yourself that the grief journey, as well as healing, is not a linear process. It’s also a slow process – have patience, but also faith.
Another thing that can be helpful for healing after experiencing trauma is faith or religion, if you are into it.
Have you found some helpful strategies to overcome trauma and make your grief and healing journey easier?
Share your story with us!
