Positive Coping Actions:

• Use the social support around you such as friends, family, church, and coworkers.
• Trauma and stress after the trauma. Learn more about trauma and how it may affect you.  Also, read about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which many survivors struggle with.
• Talk to other trauma survivors for support.  Talk to other survivors, who went through the same situation. Being in a group with others can reduce feelings of loneliness and help you to feel understood.  You may also get some first-hand advice on your recovery, and avalidation for what you went through.  
• Talk to a doctor or therapist about trauma and PTSD. Part of taking care of yourself means getting help and resources and maybe even finding a therapist who knows how to help someone with trauma and can explain how PTSD works in the brain and body.
• Practice relaxation methods. Some relaxation exercises could include, deep breathing, meditation, swimming, stretching, yoga, prayer, listening to quiet music, or spending time in nature.
• Increase fun activities. Recreation, sports, art, and just hanging out with cool people is a healthy way to distract yourself from bad memories and reactions. These things can help improve your mood, slow down the harmful effects of trauma, and can help you get your life back.
• Calling a counselor for help. Sometimes problems after a trauma can get worse if untreated. If that’s the case it is important that you or a parent reach out and call a counselor.
• Taking prescribed medications to tackle symptoms. Many people with PTSD have found that by taking medications they are able to improve their sleep, anxiety, irritability and anger, or urges to drink or abuse drugs.  Please seek advice from your family doctor for any medications.
• Volunteering in the community. One way that many survivors of trauma have found healing, is to reconnect with their community.  Helping others is a great way to feel better about yourself.  You could help with youth programs, medical services, environmental programs, or even community sporting events!