(Adopted from Dr. Marten at Dallas Theological Seminary, 2008)

For the Victim:

• Have periods of appropriate physical exercises, alternated with relaxation, alleviating some of the physical reactions
• Structure your time-keep busy
• You are normal and having normal reactions- don't label yourself crazy
• Talk to people-talk is a big part of the healing
• Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol, you don't need to complicate this with a substance abuse problem
• Reach out- people do care
• Maintain as normal a schedule as possible
• Spend time with others
• Help your co-workers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing
• Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others
• Keep a journal, write your way through those sleepless hours
• Do things that feel good to you
• Realize those around you are under stress
• Don't make any big life changes
• Do make as many daily decisions as possible which will give you a feeling of control over your life
• Get plenty of rest
• Reoccurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are normal- don't try to fight them-they'll decrease over time and become less painful
• Eat well-balanced and regular meals
• Listen to your favorite music
• Do something creative-draw, arrange flowers, saw, etc.

For Family Members and Friends:

• Listen carefully
• Spend time with the traumatized person
• Offer your assistance and a listening ear if they have not asked for help
• Reassure them that they are safe
• Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family, minding children
• Give them some private time
• Don't take their anger or other feelings personally
• Don't tell them that are "lucky it wasn't worse"- traumatized people are not consoled by those statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist them
• Allow them time to heal. Don't rush them

To schedule a consultation with one of our trained counselors call 214.585.4859 or email us at info@cbcmckinney.com.