Overcoming Stress During Traumatic Times
If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you know that our country is in a critical state. Tensions are high and the events that we’ve experienced as a nation over the recent months have no doubt shaken all of us to our core. We have all, in some way, been impacted by the tragedies that have occurred and empathize with the heartache of families who've lost their loved ones to senseless violence. For many, however, these events trigger extreme stress responses which may cause significant health issues if you are not careful.
As our nation continues to heal, I want you to understand that feeling stress, worry or anxiety, especially after traumatic events, is not a sign of weakness. It shows your compassion. Some, however feel compassion on such a deep level, that it can create a negative stress response which adversely affects their health. This is actually a form of post traumatic stress disorder which may hinder your goals, dreams and may even negatively affect your whole outlook on life. The important thing is that you walk in faith, remain fearless and continue to dream big. Once you identify that you are stressed, know that you already are equipped with the ability to de-stress.
The Stress Factor
In a recent interview with Choice FM of Raleigh, I shared tips for how to handle stress during turbulent times. Today, I encourage you to review these Stress Symptoms and Tips to learn how to handle stress during turbulent times.
It’s important to recognize the physical, psychological and emotional manifestations of traumatic stress:
Thoughts: If you keep thinking about what has happened and you can’t get it out of your mind
Sleep: If you are having issues sleeping or you are dreaming or having nightmares about a particular traumatic incident
Anger: If you wake up angry, are having angry outbursts or feel anger throughout the day
Heart: If you begin experiencing heart palpitations, your blood pressure raises or you show signs of heart attack/stroke
Anxiety/ Fear- If you are feeling anxious or developing a sense of unreasonable fears or paranoia, realize that this is not normal and may be indications of post traumatic stress disorder
Walk in Faith, Not Fear. Dream Big!
If you are experiencing stress symptoms, it's time to turn off the television. It's okay not to watch what is happening and take time away from media or conversations that perpetuate your stress as it relates to our current affairs. Also, if you are a man or woman of faith, it is imperative that you remain fearless and put your total trust in God.
Most importantly, if we want to move this mountain, we have to speak to it and we have to believe in the power of our words. We cannot hold onto grudges toward law enforcement or other members of our society who may have hurt us. These negative actions and thoughts coupled with the constant 24 hour media coverage that cycles gruesome images will become distractions and will hinder you from living in optimal health. Lastly, for those who know its power, I urge you to continue to pray and believe. That is truly what will move God and will move any mountain that we are faced with. Walk in faith, be fearless and continue to dream big!
Much love,
Dr. Tiffany
The Nation's Leading Expert to De-Stress for Success
