How do you stop trauma from circling your head and taking up all your energy?

[Starlight1]

Hi all I’m a (age removed by Moderator) year old girl and have recently been told I could have PTSD since starting therapy for this it has been very difficult and intense. I have found it hard to enjoy the smallest of activities and struggle to find new things to enjoy. I feel so alone and awkward

[Anonymous]

Hi Starlight1 just read your posting. Sorry that you were feeling alone and awkward. Good that you posted these feelings. Good that you in therapy and have had some sessions. It takes courage to work with a professional helper on difficult issues. (I too am in weekly therapy to help me manage anxiety.)  So this is something I do when I feel caught up/overwhelmed with confusion/fear and negativity. My therapist taught me this:

S T O P

S – Step Back – whatever you are doing, take a physical step back

T – take a deep breath in and let it out (this will calm you)

O – observe what you are feeling in your body just scan your body then observe your thoughts – just observe you are not sorting anything out

P – practice – ask yourself this question: What is the best thing I can do for myself right now? Then go and do it. It might be making a warm drink, running a bath, going for a walk, sitting quietly – you are in being kind to yourself and looking after yourself and expressing self-love, self-respect and self-soothing.

Practice STOP when you do not feel the trauma is circling your head and tiring you. Then when the trauma and negativity does creep back in the practice of STOP becomes easier and feels more natural. I do STOP daily sometimes more often.

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts