STEPHANIE
BARRAZA
-
Give yourself permission to feel it.
-
start being mindful of your breathing. do not hold your breath. keep breathing.
-
Tell a trusted person while it is happening and request they stay with you until it passes.
-
Get yourself to a safe place to be able to sit, if needed.
-
Put both feet flat on the ground, connecting you to the earth.
-
Put one or both hands flat on the ground - this connects you to Mother Earth.
-
Let the feelings pass through your body as you keep breathing.
-
When you feel the instinct to get up, give yourself 60 more seconds.
Coping strategies for ptsd episodes -
-
Ask if you can sit or stand with them.
-
Keep a respectful distance.
-
Do not panic or think you need to "fix" this for them. Ask them if they know what kind of support they need from you or if your presence is enough.
-
Encourage continued breathing.
-
Ask if they would like a hand on their shoulder, knee, or hand. Wait for consent.
-
Let them talk and experience their emotions.
-
When their instinct kicks in to get up, encourage them to stay for 60 more seconds, enough time for at least three more deep breaths.