{"id":12818,"date":"2021-07-29T13:44:49","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T13:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourlifeassist.co.za\/sizani\/exposed-to-trauma\/"},"modified":"2021-07-29T13:44:49","modified_gmt":"2021-07-29T13:44:49","slug":"exposed-to-trauma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourlifeassist.co.za\/sizani\/exposed-to-trauma\/","title":{"rendered":"Exposed to Trauma"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Africans have been through a tough time over the last week. We have all been exposed to the unrest in different ways \u2013 some via TV, others may have been caught up in the violence, others at work and\/or at home too, and while commuting.
\nThe unrest that we have seen may have left you feeling scared and uncertain. But, South Africans are resilient and we have also seen all races, creeds and colours mobilise with incredible fortitude and collaboration \u2013 to protect communities and generously respond to needs. This is the very best of humanity. So are now left with a significant rebuilding project and the impact of the unrest will be with us for a while. There will be reminders in our everyday lives from burnt-out buildings and infrastructure, to lack of food, petrol, and medicines in some areas too. But for now, we need to focus on how we rebound from this personally and restore our mental wellbeing. Put on your own oxygen mask first and then you can help those around you.
\nThe events of the last week may have left you feeling exhausted and emotionally depleted. Simply put, when we are faced with traumatic events (events that leave us feeling scared and helpless) your survival instinct triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol. The release of these hormones helps us to fight or flight \u2013 increase your heart rate and breathing to pump more oxygen to your body and release sugars through your bloodstream to give you the mental focus, strength, and energy should you choose to fight, flee, submit, or freeze in order to survive the threat. It Is normal that it takes a few days for your responses to come back down and to recover.<\/p>\n

DO A MENTAL HEALTH CHECK<\/strong> \"\"<\/p>\n

It is normal to feel stressed out for a few days, or at least until the \u2018danger\u2019 has passed, and to feel exhausted, sad, anxious, helpless, or even hyper-alert. These feelings are healthy and a normal response to an abnormal event.
\nIt is possible to regain control and restore your stress levels:
\nPractice meditation and breathing techniques
\nExercise often \u2013 cardiovascular exercise mimics the fight or flight needed to reduce the hormones that were released during the triggering event
\nEat healthily and choosing low sugar and low caffeine food and drinks
\nDrink more water than usual (not wine \ud83d\ude09) to flush out toxic levels of stress hormones
\nVolunteer to help
\nTurn off the tele! Stop watching horror images and videos and mute social media groups and chats that express negative, pessimistic, and angry views
\nJoin community groups (online or physically) and volunteer to help
\nSpread good news
\nIt is also good to cry \u2013 to grieve what is lost (your sense of safety and security, your property or livelihood). Tears release excess stress hormones too.
\nIf you have a medical condition, it is best to consult your doctor.<\/p>\n

YOU MIGHT NEED TRAUMA COUNSELLING\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms more than two weeks after the event, they could be signs that you are traumatised and in the interest of your emotional wellbeing, relationships, and physical health, you could benefit from Trauma Counselling:
\n\u2022 Extreme fatigue
\n\u2022 Struggling to sleep
\n\u2022 Easily startled – jumpy, and on edge
\n\u2022 Easily distracted
\n\u2022 Nightmares
\n\u2022 Irritable and short-tempered
\n\u2022 Unable to focus on tasks or follow conversations
\n\u2022 Withdrawing socially or afraid to venture out
\n\u2022 Tearful
\n\u2022 Fearful
\n\u2022 Tension headaches, muscle aches or pains
\n\u2022 Racing heart rate
\n\u2022 Helpless or hopeless
\nTrauma can also affect your digestive and reproductive system \u2013 stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, bladder complaints, interrupted menstrual cycle, or impotence.<\/p>\n

If you, or your family are struggling with physical symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n

It is good to talk about your experience, and even better to talk to a Trauma Counsellor.<\/em>
\nSupport is available to you and members of your household, any time day or night.<\/em><\/p>\n

DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST HERE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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