WAYS TO COPE AFTER A TRAUMA
There is no one right way to cope. Each person has unique strengths and vulnerabilities.

DO:

Relax and rest

Eat nutritiously

Exercise

Get more than enough sleep

Talk about what happened

Write about what happened (journaling, letters, e-mails)

Laugh when you can

Set small goals

Keep some sort of routine

If safe, stay in familiar environment

Spend time with those who are supportive and helpful

Cry if you can

Pray

Sing or listen to music

Educate yourself about traumatic reactions

Anticipate difficult times to come

Search and find perspective and meaning in the event

Ask for help

DON’T:

Make major decisions

Set up an active travel or speaking schedule

Drink alcohol

Drink caffeinated drinks

Take sedating drugs (i.e., valium, sleeping pills)

Talk publicly about sensitive details soon after trauma

Make broad generalizations about yourself, future, others