Coping After Surviving a Trauma
Building resilience will look different for everyone — what works for one may not work for others.
Coping is a long-term process where you and your loved ones will relearn how to navigate life and, ideally, accept new circumstances. It can be frustrating because it entails trying strategies to see what works and doesn’t work.
Adjustment comes in stages and factors that affect how long it takes can depend on the type of injury, personality style/preferences and level of support.
Knowing what to expect can help ease the transition. Common situations include:
- Personal uncertainties
- Family relationships
- Work disruptions
- Financial worries
Healthy Coping Skills
- Learn about your injury.
- Find an outlet for your stress.
- Practice self-care for the different dimensions that affect you: physical (yoga, exercise, walking, psychological (meditation, deep breathing), emotional, spiritual.
Unhealthy Coping Skills
- Drinking too much
- Using drugs
- Avoiding others
- Lashing out
- Not asking for help
Some resources for you to explore:
- National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Alliance Health (treatment and support for mental illness and substance use)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Resources | 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness of North Carolina | 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741
- NextSteps. Managing Life After Trauma