'How to overcome traumatic life events'

Life very rarely ever runs smoothly, that's just a plain fact, whether it is problems at work, problems relating to financial problems, the death of a friend or family member or some other unexpected sudden occurrence. However, some people seem to be able to deal and get through traumatic events much easier than others.

There is nothing weak about those who bounce back, they are simply able to adapt to situations better than others when faced with adversity. People who are able to adapt in traumatic situations usually have certain factors in common, these are the ability to deal with stress more easily, the uncertain and feelings of anxiety. Emotional pain and sadness is something that we all have to face at sometime in our lives and some will have to face it more often than others. In order to prepare you better to deal with trauma and overcome it here are some tips to help you understand the process a little better.

A certain amount of grief is to be expected when a traumatic event occurs. Grief is usually expressed by a feeling of numbness, the inability to carry on your day-to-day activities, continual thoughts of the problem or deceased. Sleep problems, feelings of guilt and feelings of extreme sadness are all normal feelings. Abnormal grief is considered when you have feelings which longer than a period of 6 months. Feelings could include excessive clinginess, extreme highs and lows, continuing depression and thoughts of suicide.

There are many ways you can develop your ability to face traumatic situations, these include:
Making friends or being with close friends during your time of need. No one who has suffered a traumatic experience should be alone for any length of time. There is no shame in asking a close friend or other family member to be your confidant during this period and close friends and relatives should indeed realize this and be there for you without you having the need to ask.

It is also important to remain busy during this period of time; if you have too much time on your hands to think about your situation then this will only extend the grief and worry you are feeling. Although you might need to take a break for a couple of days or a week at the most, don't just sit about and brood during this time. Set out goals for your future looking towards the more positive aspects in life. Although at the time you might not be able to find much good it is important to remember that you won't always feel this way. So force yourself to set out goals and work towards them during hard times.

Try to keep a positive outlook and go about daily routine without changing anything. Do the same things such as shopping, cooking and cleaning, remember to eat at regular times and take time out to be with friends too. During the particular tough times remember that time does heal if you allow it too.

Love Rev.Bola A. (30.11.09)
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