Practical and Independent Guide to Post-Disaster Trauma Healing

YOGYAKARTA - Do you experience fear, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping often after disasters? This is normal, but you need a real solution. Learn the crucial steps in the post-disaster trauma healing process to recover completely.

The impact of disasters is not only physical, but also hidden mental. Letting the trauma linger actually hinders life. Let's explore the best way to get up and continue living.

After a disaster, many people will return to normal, but most will experience worrying thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms at first. Reported by VOI from the American Psychiatric Association, here are some things you should know about trauma healing for disaster victims:

The impact after the disaster can appear immediately or after some time and can develop into serious mental disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For this reason, be aware of the following signs that indicate you are struggling:

Also read other health articles that discuss: High Monocytes Mean Your Body Is Fighting Something, Beware of These 5 Diseases!

Recognizing and overcoming trauma is the first step towards recovery, here are five steps you can take immediately:

Taking care of the body is the easiest way to reduce the negative effects of stress. Make sure you eat, drink, exercise, and rest regularly. Avoid using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs as an escape because this actually worsens long-term conditions.

Repeated exposure to news, photos, or videos about disasters on television and social media can increase stress and anxiety. Limit your time accessing such content and focus on credible information only.

Find a method that helps calm your nervous system. This can be breathing exercises, light meditation (mindfulness), listening to soothing music, or doing hobbies and social activities that are fun.

Don't isolate yourself. Stay connected with family, friends, or colleagues. Giving and receiving support to each other is very helpful in the healing process. Remind yourself and others that having good days and bad days is normal in recovery.

Recovery is a process, but there is a time limit. If your mental stress remains high after a few weeks, you continue to have difficulty functioning at home or work, or even think of hurting yourself, immediately seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or health professional.

In addition to adults, children are even the most vulnerable, although they tend to be tough. The task of adults is to create a safe and supportive environment, in the following ways:

However, if sleep disturbances, repeated fears, or a drastic decline in school performance continue to settle or worsen, immediately consult a doctor or school counselor.

Recovery from trauma is a journey, not an instant goal. Remember, seeking help or taking a break is not a weakness. Take some steps above starting today. Your post-disaster trauma healing deserves success.