Most every person who has experienced trauma lives in a sort of hyperalert state, constantly on guard for danger or threat, perhaps standing still and waiting for threat or danger. That standing still sometimes leads to depression. There is no room for fun, joy, or peace if you have to be alert every moment. There is little room for living life.
The first step for anyone who is suffering from trauma is to learn relaxation and self-soothing, so you can lower the hyperalert state to a more normal state of awareness.
List the ways you can relax yourself, ways that you know work even if you don’t do them. You might consider meditation, reading, exercise, eating a favorite food (as long as overeating is not an issue), deep breathing, counting your breath, guided imagery or relaxation, focusing on beautiful scenery, listening to music, massage, watching a funny movie, petting a dog or cat, playing with children, or smelling a favorite candle. Different activities will be soothing for different people and some actions that are soothing for one person will be upsetting for another. This is about you and what comforts and relaxes you. Is there one sense such as hearing that seems to comfort you more? Then note that and list as many options as you know about what you could listen to that would calm you.
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