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Practical ways to reduce the chance of nightmares

2/6/2023

There are practical things that a person can do to reduce the chance of nightmares. First, try to maintain a regular sleep routine. Sleep and routine go hand in hand. After trauma, it may be tempting to withdraw or change normal daily activities. However, try to keep to your usual sleep routine in order to give your body the best chance for a restful night.

Second, relax before bed. Don’t pressure yourself into falling asleep. Focus on finding ways to calm your mind and body before bed. Turn off your electronics and try relaxation methods to help you fall asleep.

If you can’t sleep, don’t stay in bed. Staying in bed when you can’t sleep can create an unhelpful association between the bed and sleeplessness. If you find yourself lying awake for more than 20 minutes, try getting out of bed and doing something relaxing, like reading a book or listening to gentle music. Then when you feel tired, return to bed.

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Dealing With Three Common Reactions to Trauma

2/3/2023

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In addition to the feelings already mentioned, people typically react to trauma in three main ways. Accepting this reality is an important step in allowing your mind and body to find healing.

The first common reaction is reliving the experience, either in nightmares, or in flashbacks during the day. This can be shocking and painful.

It is important that you realize that when this happens, your body is attempting to process and cope with the event.

Therefore, be gentle on yourself. It may feel not feel like progress but it is. To help your mind realize that you are not in the traumatic situation again, focus on details in your surroundings. Identify all the good things that you see around you. If possible, talk out loud. Talk about anything that you can be thankful for. God tells us that being thankful is a very important part of receiving His peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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Dealing with the guilt of being a survivor

2/2/2023

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You may feel guilty that you survived the disaster while others did not, or that you suffered less than others. This is a common response. However, you must understand that what happened to you was not your decision. God has a purpose for the remainder of the days given to you, and he cares for you. Whatever your level of trauma, it is your pain and it hurts.

Don’t compare your experience with the experience of others. You may have gone through the same experience as others, and yet your reactions may be quite different. Personality, resources, relationships, finances, past experiences, and other factors all affect how we respond. Even if others were affected more by the disaster than you were, don’t try to convince yourself that your pain doesn’t matter. It matters and you must take action as described in these insights.

As well, don’t be surprised if you react differently from day to day, or if stronger reactions surface later after the initial shock fades. Accept your feelings each day and ask God for what you need.

God has promised to give us the necessary strength for each day.
. . . as your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25b

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

Practical ways to reduce the chance of nightmares

Dealing With Three Common Reactions to Trauma

Dealing with the guilt of being a survivor

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