Tips to Help You or a Loved One Cope with Pandemic PTSD

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic was a traumatizing experience. You may have lost loved ones, worked on the front lines, or even suffered after catching the virus.

Throughout this pandemic, trauma came in many forms, and no matter what you experienced, your feelings and reactions are valid. And while not everyone who experiences trauma is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), perhaps your stress has been so severe that you suspect you’re suffering from PTSD. Or maybe you’re concerned that one of your loved ones is struggling with PTSD because of the pandemic.

Now, as the world transitions back to “normal,” you might wonder how to cope with your symptoms and begin the healing process. Here are a few suggestions to help you along your journey.

Work With a Therapist

If you believe that, you may be dealing with symptoms of PTSD, you will want to work with a therapist. Trying to heal from PTSD on your own is a risky choice.

A therapist will be able to teach you coping mechanisms, identify and address the roots of your trauma, and cultivate a more positive vision for the future. You do not have to approach healing as a solo endeavor, and doing so is likely to be ineffective. Alternatively, if your loved one is living with PTSD, you may want to recommend that they seek professional help.

Cognitive Processing Techniques

Cognitive processing techniques, like the methods using for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be very useful for treating PTSD.

This involves identifying the negative thought patterns that are holding you back. Chances are, these negative thoughts will be rooted in your fears relating to the pandemic. In therapy, you can break down the sources of these thoughts and begin building up new thought patterns that will serve you better as you face the future.

Exposure Therapy

Perhaps you have developed fears of certain situations that never used to scare you after the pandemic. For instance, you might not feel truly comfortable in public spaces or crowded indoor spaces. In the wake of the pandemic, this is completely understandable, yet living with these fears can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing in the long run.

Your therapist can help you through exposure therapy, which involves gradual exposure to scenarios that may trigger you now. Through exposure therapy, you will desensitize yourself to these situations so that you can fully live your life again.

Find Social Support

During this time, it’s more important than ever to lean on your family and friends. This is especially true after being physically separated for so long. Turning to social support is crucial. If you’re worried because you lost touch with close friends or family members during the pandemic, this is the right time to reach out.

They’re probably hoping to hear from you and wondering what they can do to help. And if you think that someone in your social circle is struggling with PTSD, give them a call - they might be nervous about reaching out to people for help.

Practice Self-Care

Finally, practicing self-care is always a good idea for your mental and physical health. Self-care will not cure PTSD, but journaling, meditation, yoga, and other relaxing activities can reduce the severity of your symptoms and make it easier to cope with day-to-day stress. Try to include some of these habits in your usual routine.

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Do you suspect that you’re suffering from PTSD because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.