9 Powerful Ways to Heal After a Tragedy

Experiencing trauma can happen in various ways: witnessing a violent event, being directly involved, or having a loved one affected. Even reading news reports can lead to psychological trauma. Psychologists affirm that it’s normal to feel panic about surrounding events, even for those who have never been to Las Vegas or known anyone affected by a mass shooting.

Seek Ways to Help

After major tragedies, it’s crucial to find ways to assist the victims. For instance, participants in the #домой campaign during the Saint Petersburg metro terrorist attack took action. However, while helping others, it’s equally important to safeguard your mental health.

If you, your friends, or family are in a tough situation, these strategies can help initiate the healing process:

1. Take Action

The first step towards effective self-help is to do something. While prayers can be soothing, real-world actions make a difference. You might not be able to change the situation, but you can call acquaintances who are lawyers or donate money. Taking action will make you feel better. Remember, small, consistent actions over a long period are essential.

2. Disconnect from the Internet

It’s easy to get lost online, clicking on every news article about the event. While we love Twitter, during a tragedy, the best thing you can do is put your phone down and ignore the noise. It’s important to disconnect before you get overwhelmed by negative comments. Don’t hesitate to step away from conversations that affect your mental health.

3. Call Loved Ones

If you’re going through tough times, your first thought might be to isolate yourself. However, talking to loved ones can make you feel at least a little better. Discuss your feelings rather than the events that occurred. Hiding your emotions from others is dangerous as it increases the risk of depression, chronic anxiety, and somatic problems.

4. Go for a Walk

Feel the weather. Go outside and breathe. A change of scenery will undoubtedly affect your state of mind. Make sure to leave your windows open to let fresh air into your home.

5. Turn Your Fear into Art

It might seem like you can’t achieve justice, and that there’s no point in doing anything. The negative energy overwhelming you needs an outlet, and the best way to ease your soul is through creation. Take something destructive and painful and turn it into something beautiful. Draw, sing, dance, embroider, sculpt with clay—any form of creativity will be an effective remedy. You’ll quickly feel alive again, and hope for change will return.

6. Exercise

During workouts, your body releases endorphins and relieves stress. Not everyone will want to go to the gym immediately after a tragic event, and that’s okay. Wait a bit, then start acting. Your muscles will fill with blood, negative energy will be released, and you’ll feel better.

7. Prepare Nutritious Food

Turn on some music, get out your best dishes, and pour a glass of wine. Treat yourself to something special; try any food that evokes positive emotions. Remember, natural food improves brain function and helps combat stress.

8. Perform a Random Act of Kindness

Give money to a homeless person, leave a tip at a restaurant, donate old clothes, or volunteer. Make the world a little better.

9. Seek External Help

The recovery process after a tragedy is unique for each person. If you or a loved one develop new harmful habits such as smoking or other addictions, or experience disruptions in your usual routine like insomnia or oversleeping, it’s important to seek help from a specialist.

Everyone who has dealt with the aftermath of a tragedy knows the importance of support. If you see someone who needs help, don’t pass by; share this information with them.

For further reading, consider exploring resources on trauma and recovery.