If you have recently had a traumatic experience, you may be having feelings that are new to you. Dr. Phil explains that some of these emotions and fears are normal under the circumstances, and offers suggestions on how to move past the moment of crisis:
- If you fear that something traumatic might happen again, you are experiencing rational regression. Understand that this is a natural reaction to a traumatic event.
- Be patient with yourself and realize there is rational fear and irrational fear. With rational fear, we react to a real threat and protect ourselves. When we have irrational fear, we are scared even though there is no threat to us. If you were injured during your traumatic event, it's normal to have fears (that may seem irrational) until your body heals.
- Understand that it will not be like this for the rest of your life. You will heal.
- Stop asking "What if something happens again?" Remember that something traumatic happened, and you got through it. If something else happens, you will get through that too.
- When you do survive a moment of crisis, know that there is a reason. Don't have survivor's guilt. Decide that there's a purpose, find it, and live it.
- Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help from friends, family or a mental health professional.
