Taking care of yourself after you've survived a crime, is the most
important thing you can do. Talk about what has happened to you with
supportive friends, partners, or family members. Eat, sleep and be
respectful of the messages your body is giving you.
Remember
that you are not alone. Other people have experienced similar types of
violence and survived. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center
offers many different support services to both victims, families and
offenders.
Ways to take care of yourself:
Sit quietly and breathe deeply.
Physical exercise (if possible), alternated with relaxation, will
alleviate some of the physical reactions, such as feeling tense or
sleeplessness.
Structure your time.
Don't label yourself as "crazy;" you are normal and having normal reactions to an extreme situation.
Talk to people-talking is a very healing medicine. Talk with a loved one or a counselor who will support you and really listen.
Be aware of numbing the pain with drugs or alcohol. Be careful not to complicate the issue with a substance abuse problem.
Keep a journal; write your way through sleepless hours.
Do things that feel good to you.
Supplement your diet with vitamins.
Don't make any major life changes, but make as many daily decisions as
possible, which gives you a feeling of control over your life (i.e., if
someone asks you what you want to eat, answer them, even if you are not
sure.)
To heal from traumatic stress, it is important to allow
yourself time to grieve your losses, such as physical injuries or
strong negative feelings, and to give yourself permission to heal at
your own pace.