PTSD Self-Care for Recovery and Restoration
There’s a book by Lisa Najavits called Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse (Guiford Press 2002) used by mental health providers for substance use disorder groups. It contains a list of healthy coping skills for trauma. Things that may never have been learned in your family of origin (foo) or elsewhere.
A wonderful resource you can make for yourself is a list of your healthy and not so healthy ways of coping. If you want to avoid homework or alone time, maybe collaborate with your mental health provider instead. During sessions, you can explore the thoughts and behaviors behind your coping skills. Some may be helpful, others not so much. You could have a discussion about your thoughts/behaviors; what are the benefits and risks; pros and cons?
Here’s an excerpt from Seeking Safety of coping skills that I have shared in groups:
List your options - In any situation, you have choices.
Create meaning - Remind yourself what you are living for: your children, love, truth, values, God?
Set a boundary - Say “no” to protect yourself.
Compassion - Listen to your heart, body, and soul with respect and care.
Seek understanding, not blame - Listen to your behavior; blaming (others, yourself) prevents growth.
Trust the process - Just keep moving forward, the only way out is through.
Another helpful tool is to make a chart with three rows: the situation, how you coped, and the consequence - with one column for the old way and one for a new way of thinking or doing.
Finally participating in support groups is a path to healing. Share your experience, strength and hope; rewrite your story; and use your voice. I hope this has been helpful as you continue to practice self-care at home, in public, at school and work.
Begin trauma treatment in the central Denver today.
If you are ready to start recognizing your anger as a signal of unmet needs, call 720-577-5985 or schedule online for a free 15-minute consultation. For more about trauma therapy in central Denver look here. You can also find more at my contact and home page.
