PTSD Healing Thought of the Week: Buddy Up

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As we get closer to our August 31st celebration of my trauma anniversary, I am sending out daily coping tips (sign up here) to help you reclaim your trauma anniversary. Today I share one of this week’s tips.

It’s very easy, when you’re depressed, frustrated, stressed – you know, the usual PTSD chaos! – to isolate yourself. I was working with a client this past week who is methodically shutting down and our job in the session was to slow down the process and make plans to reverse it.

Isolation, actually, is a very normal response to stress. However, it is NOT the best way to cope.

Tip: Buddy up

When you approach a stressful day or time of year, make a plan to go through it with someone. Take stock of who you know that makes you feel good, safe and secure. Put that person on stand-by for phone calls, pep talks, outings and general support. Reach out. Speak out. Assess who is around you that would be willing to lend an ear and arm to help you find some peace.

Don’t have anyone like that? Find someone new! Join online groups and forums to make friends who will understand. Or, get a pet. Live animals like dogs, cats and fish are calming and can do a lot to ease stress and connect you to the present moment. It just takes one little fish in a fish bowl to infuse your room with a live energy and presence outside your own.

More coping tips and activities:

To participate in my month-long focus on celebrating the joy of survival and how to cope with trauma anniversaries:

Click here for details on how to join the FREE virtual event and celebrate with me on Tuesday, August 31st at 8pm EST.

Tweet us your trauma tips using the hashtag #TraumaAnniv @healmyptsd or @micheleptsd.

Share your trauma anniversary tips with us on Facebook.

It is possible to conquer the past and create the future — the first step is choosing to take the journey.

Photo acknowledgement.

Tags: coping, healing, ptsd, trauma