It can happen in an instant. One minute you are going about your day at home or at work, the next you’re having difficulty breathing, you’re dizzy and disoriented.
It’s post-traumatic stress, and its symptoms–which can be physical, cognitive and emotional–can rear their ugly heads at any moment. Sometimes the symptoms are triggered by everyday stress, sometimes by the inadvertent comments or actions by co-workers, family or friends.
When it does strike, post-traumatic stress can lead to fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, poor concentration, anxiety, panic and other symptoms that can make it difficult or impossible to perform your job duties.
The good news is there are things you can do to deal with the symptoms. Here’s a look at some proven tips to help you manage post-traumatic stress and make it through your day. And don’t forget the professionals at Rockland’s Behavioral Response Team are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to you about anything that might be causing stress, anxiety or emotional trauma. The team can also come to your home or place of work to assist if necessary. All services are free and confidential. Call day or night at 845-517-0400. Don’t wait, get help.
Know the symptoms
The first step towards effectively managing your post-traumatic stress is being able to identify your symptoms. If you can quickly recognize the symptoms, you will be better prepared to deal with them.
One of the best ways to identify the symptoms is to arm yourself with as much knowledge about the symptoms as possible. The National Institute of Mental Health is a wonderful resource, providing extensive information about signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatments. Knowledge is power, so read as much as you can about the symptoms so you recognize them when they appear.
Recognize your triggers
Most symptoms do not appear out of the blue. They are typically triggered by specific situations–perhaps related to activities, places or interactions–that bring up unpleasant memories or thoughts about a traumatic event.
If you are able to recognize these specific triggers, you may be able to avoid them.
Have a plan
Once you know the symptoms and are able to recognize the things that trigger your post-traumatic stress, you should have a plan for dealing with them.
Your plan could include simply trying to avoid the triggers. However, this might not always be possible in a workplace, so you are going to want to have other tools available to you, including taking a break from work or what you might be focused on at home and going to a place where you feel comfortable, deep breathing and enlisting the help of a trusted family member, friend or colleague.
While you can never truly know when something might trigger your post-traumatic stress, you can be prepared by having a list of supportive people you can call. If you are working with a therapist, make sure you can call her or him for emergencies. You should also be sure to have any medications with you.
Being prepared with the resources necessary to respond to post traumatic stress makes it more likely you’ll be able to successfully manage the symptoms.
Take it slow
Sometimes it can be difficult to get back to your day after experiencing symptoms. And that’s ok. You can take it slow. Start by doing something you enjoy (maybe getting a cup of coffee with a coworker, taking a walk outside), then take on a small task before finally getting back into your usual routine.
Ask for help
You may not be able to deal with post-traumatic stress by yourself–especially while if you are at work. So make sure you talk to your friends or trusted colleagues about what’s happening. You don’t necessarily need to share every detail about the trauma you’ve experienced, but you should be open and honest about what you’re dealing with. That way, friends and colleagues can be there for you.
Don’t forget: Self-help can be useful, but it’s not your only option. Connecting with a support group or professional help can give you the resources you need to make lasting, positive change. Deciding to do things differently is the first step toward wellness. The professionals at Rockland’s Behavioral Response Team are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to you about anything that might be causing stress, anxiety or emotional trauma. We can also come to your home or place of work to assist if necessary. All of our services are free and confidential. Call us day or night at 845-517-0400. Don’t wait, get help.