How to ease the vicarious trauma you may be feeling
Parent Post
It’s human nature to
It’s human nature to feel empathy and sorrow for others dealing with a traumatic event.
This is applicable to any grim situation like an impending war, a relentless virus, a devastating mass shooting ― you don’t have to be part of the crisis to be affected by it.
Here’s how to handle the emotions associated with vicarious trauma.
Be mindful of your
Be mindful of your other coping mechanisms.
If you’re turning to alcohol or other unhealthy coping mechanisms, reach out to a professional who can help you in a healthier way.
Experts stress that these behaviours often worsen your mental health if they turn into a reliance.
Follow trusted sources.Make sure
Follow trusted sources.
Make sure to follow credible sources and engage with confirmed reports and content.
And remember that just because a Twitter account is verified doesn’t mean it’s legitimate.
Find multiple sources confirming the same information before you share or even necessarily believe a report.
Move your body in
Move your body in some way.
Our emotions need a physical outlet. To relieve some of that anxiety and tension, try gently moving your body.
Go for a walk, do some light stretching, take a home boxing class, or whatever it is that helps you feel good.
Set a few boundaries
Set a few boundaries to prevent excessive doomscrolling.
You cannot log off entirely but do set some boundaries when it comes to social media.
Block time to check in on the news.
If you find yourself reaching for your phone while going to sleep, direct your attention to something else instead of scrolling through headlines.
Cry if you need
Cry if you need to.
Suppressing anything you might be feeling only contributes to poor mental health.
Acknowledge how you’re feeling, instead of dismissing it in the hopes of gaining some sense of ease. Crying can be a therapeutic release.
Reach out for extra
Reach out for extra support.
This could be to your therapist, your loved ones, or peers. Support systems are crucial during periods of unrest and trauma.
Pay attention to how you feel and behave in the coming days. If you notice difficulties, seek professional mental health advice.
Turn to mental health
Turn to mental health experts on social media.
During tumultuous times, read quotes and hear takes from mental health professionals on social media.
Don’t consider every post a piece of mental health advice, but it can serve as a calming voice when your brain is otherwise racing.
Try to keep a
Try to keep a normal routine.
Scrolling late into the night, do everything within your power to stick to your normal schedule.
The more we can stick to our normal routines, the more our brains and our bodies feel like we’re back in control.