How to Cope with Trauma as a Caregiver
When your child experiences a difficult event, it affects you too. You may feel all kinds of emotions. This is normal. Shock, anger, guilt and sadness are a few of the feelings you may have. If you experienced a difficult event in the past, this may bring up old memories and feelings. Coping with these feelings will help your child’s recovery.
Ways to Cope
- Take care of you so you can take care of your child.
- Remind yourself of the good things in your life.
- Give yourself time to feel whatever you are feeling.
- Identify your support people, personal or professional, and reach out.
- Name and use your strengths. Remind yourself of times you overcame other challenges.
- Create a plan with your child to help you both feel safer about the future.
- Set small goals and celebrate when you reach them.
Take Care of You
Parenting is hard enough and a difficult event can make it more challenging to be at your best. When you take time to listen to your own needs, you will help your child. Here are some ways that you can take care of yourself:
- Stop and take five deep breaths throughout the day.
Spend some time in nature.
- Stop and listen to the sounds around you.
- Go for a walk.
- Call a friend.
- Write down three things you are grateful for.
- Read a book.
Remember That Healing Takes Time
If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 911. There are many professionals who can help you.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD
- National Domestic Violence Support: 1-800-799-SAFE
- National Parent Help Hotline: 1-855-4-A-PARENT
- Parent Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188
