Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms 

Coping with Traumatic Events & Moving On

Just when you thought things were going well, something comes along to derail it. Life is full of ups and downs, and at some point, we must all face worry and heartache. In years to come, what you’ll remember is not the problem you faced, but how it affected you and how you dealt with it.

Household Disasters

In the grand scheme of things, a problem with your home may seem relatively minor, when compared with health issues and loss. But when things go wrong in the home, they can be costly and can affect not only your finances but your wellbeing and relationships.

If something serious occurs in your home, such as leaks, flooding, electrical issue, etc., call an expert straight away. The longer you wait, the more damage you’re likely to cause.

Sites such as  www.drdripplumbing.com.au include details of emergency plumbers, who will come out straight away to fix your home. Once the initial problem is resolved, you can then deal with the cleanup.

Illness of Spouse or Partner

Becoming a caregiver for a family member is one of the most stressful situations you can face. If it’s a spouse or partner, it can present many practical problems, in addition to dealing with the illness and treatment, etc. The first step is to acknowledge the illness and talk about it with your spouse or partner. In some situations, the illness may take away some of their choices. So it’s important that their voice is heard and they are included in all discussions and decisions.

Be there for your partner as much as you possibly can. This may involve making significant changes in order to accommodate that. It’s important that you don’t tackle everything yourself. There are lots of experts who can advise on the issues you’re facing. As well as home medical professionals, there are people to advise you on practical and financial aid. Speak to these people as soon as possible. They will be able to reassure you and advocate for you. Though they can’t make your spouse better, they can certainly lighten some of your burdens.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be honest when you’re struggling and when you can’t figure out how to resolve a problem. Two heads are better than one and people who are a little more removed from the situation may be able to think more clearly.

Bereavement

Coping with the loss of a loved one is the worst thing we have to face in life. Nothing prepares you for the feeling of shock and loss. And, truthfully, no-one can tell you how to deal with it. Everyone finds a way of coping that is right for them. There are several things to keep in mind.

In the early days focus on the essential things that need to be done such as funeral arrangements, looking after the kids, funeral arrangements, etc. Everything else can wait.

• Ask for help and get advice.
• Allow yourself to feel all the emotions you need to feel.
• Don’t let anyone else tell you what to do. Only you know what’s right for you.
• Take time to grieve.
• There is no timeline for grief. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
• Talk to someone, whether it is a family member, close friend or therapist. Talking it through helps.
• Find strategies that work for you such as going for a walk, journaling your feelings, reading poems and quotes, etc. This will be personal to everyone.
• If you don’t know what to do, just put one foot in front of the other for a while. That’s enough.
• I most certainly know how hard it is to make it through, but please make sure to get enough sleep

This is by no means a comprehensive list and no doubt there will be other issues you will face in your life. But there are certain similarities with all of these. One of those is seeking help and advice. This isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and will help you, whatever you face.

Take good care of yourself!

Klaudia xx