How to Avoid COVID-19 PTSD

Avoid Covid-19 ptsd and stress

 

The Corona Virus Pandemic has had an effect on us all. It has been over a year with many loved ones gone, life situations changed, and the end of the confinement and cautions still months out.  

No matter how you experience the Corona Virus Pandemic, you may experience strong, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms for years. To prevent PTSD from taking root in your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual bodies, you must take at least some of the following steps. 

Step 1

Immediately share whatever you are feeling with someone you trust like a family member or close friend. The experiences you have may be different but common symptoms include severe anxiety, depression, anger or sadness from loss, fear, and many more similar feelings.

Step 2

In case you have no one to share with, start a FEELING JOURNAL right away. 

For example, start writing, “Today, when I saw a young nurse, mother of three, pass on to the other side from the Virus, I was filled with sadness.” You may have actually had tears rolling down your cheeks or were choking on them. WRITE DOWN HOW THAT FELT.

  • Did it remind you of the loss of some one in your family?  Or were you feeling fear of your own death. How terrible for you.
  • You must acknowledge every detail and express the feeling.

Step 3

This is my favorite method.

You can also have a dialogue with your Inner Self to acknowledge that your event was traumatic for you. 

“Dear ____,(use your name)  you had reason to be upset.”

Pause a moment. Let the feelings come up. Feel your feelings. 

You may hear an Inner Voice Answer.  WRITE IT DOWN. 

It may be something like, “WOW. I am glad I am recognizing how this upset me. I feel relief, more self-compassion. I do not feel so upset anymore. Thanks.”

Write as much as you like, then stop. See how you feel the next day. Make another short “How I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW” journal entry. Keep doing this as long your experience comes popping up in your mind. I usually rate the pain from 1-10, 10 being the highest. When the number is lowered to 1, we have been successful with our self-healing.

Take Note: 

Your mindset may also show up in relationships. If you don’t do your feeling work, you’ll project your anger at others. I was accused of doing that and was called a “snapping turtle” years ago before counseling.  

Repeat using Step1,2, or 3 often.

You may also be triggered to remember some childhood maltreatment.  Please address this in the same manner. Use the above steps to move yourself through these memories. 

You are not alone in reacting to the Pandemic. The crisis is affecting everyone.   

It is most important that you prevent the PTSD to be with you in the future and use the 3 Steps listed.

Heal your painful wounds sooner than later and you will be much happier.   

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