Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the recent tragedy? It seems as if every week there is some new trauma, whether it is one of the recent hurricanes, wildfires, earthquake or shooting. You may feel the world is not a safe place anymore. Feeling traumatized, anxious, anger, shock or numbness are all common feelings. Perhaps you feel you can’t even look at the newspaper or watch the news, as it’s one tragedy after another. While we can’t control world events, we can control how we react to them. Here are some things that may be helpful, according to the American Psychological Association.

Share your feelings

Being stoic and holding it all in will not be helpful. It’s importation to talk about the tragedy with others. Find someone who will be there for you and who you can address your concerns with. Others most likely feel the same way. This way you won’t feel so alone.

Focus on what’s good in life

Doing so will help you balance all the negative. Yes, there are many sad things that have recently occurred, but perhaps you could practice gratitude and be thankful that you are OK (provided that you are). The goal is to have a realistic perspective on things. Perhaps even focusing on the heroes that have emerged because of the events that have occurred.

Don’t watch the news or read  about the tragedy

This may be easier said than done, as you may need to totally unplug from the TV, Internet and social media. Doing so will actually reduce your stress level. Or if you want to stay informed, just read the headlines vs. the whole article. Watching TV 24/7 is anxiety evoking. Most of the continual reporting does not bring much new information. All it does is stirs you up.

Engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy

This will help you take your mind off of the news and world. When we are engaged in things we enjoy, it helps keep us centered and balanced. Exercise, mindfulness and meditation are also helpful.

Maintain your health

Eating right and getting enough sleep are helpful. Try to stay away from drugs and alcohol, as they may increase your heightened emotions.

Pay attention to your feelings

You don’t want to ignore them, as you want to honor yourself. Some people find it helpful to journal. Remember, there are no wrong or right feelings. Feelings just are, and many people are experiencing a wide range of them.

Volunteer

Volunteering will transform your helplessness into action. You will be benefiting others, and as a result feel better about yourself. If you know someone who was affected, ask what you can do to help. If everyone did just a small amount of volunteering, it would make a big difference.

Grieve

You may have lost a friend, family member, or your home in the recent tragedies. If so, my heart goes out to you. Honor your feelings and share your grief. It may take quite awhile to recover. Even if you didn’t lose something or someone, perhaps you are grieving, or experiencing survivor guilt. Recovering from trauma takes time.

If you feel you can’t get past the event, or don’t feel there is anyone you can talk to, give me a call at 713-304-6554, and together we can help you move through your trauma.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas, PhD