If you have been into a traumatic experience your body needs time to heal, but also your mind and emotions need to adjust after the emotional shock of the incident.

It is important that you recognise that you have been through a highly stressful experience and that you will have a psychological reaction to it. If you refuse to acknowledge this or when you are in denial you delay the process of recovery.

In my previous post Common responses to a traumatic experience you can read what physical and emotional responses you might get after a traumatic experience. It is important to confront the reality and get on the road of recovery.

Below you will find a list of things that will help you adjust to the experience:

• Don’t try to fight recurring thoughts, dreams and flashbacks. It is very normal to have them following a traumatic experience. You will notice that decrease over time.

• Talk to the people who care about you about what has happened. It might be painful at first, but it will help you come to terms with the incident.

• Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts can work very therapeutic, especially when you find it difficult to talk about what happened.

• Get rest. Even if you can not sleep, do not stay up late but try to let your body rest.

• Try to exercise on a regular basis within the limits of your injury. Exercise is good at reducing the physical effects of stress and trauma.

• Try to avoid stimulants like coffee, tea, cola, cigarettes and chocolate. These stimulants increase the level of your arousal while your body is still hyped up from the incident.

• Do not seek comfort in ways to numb the pain like alcohol or drugs. This will only add to your problem in the long term.

• Take some time out to relax. Meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can be very helpful.

• Try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. This does not mean that you have to throw yourself into work or activities just to try to avoid unpleasant feelings or memories. Take it easy!

• Do not isolate yourself. It is understandable that you want to be alone sometimes, but do not become isolated. Stay in touch with your friends and family.

• Do activities you like. Do not punish yourself even more after your horrible experience. Do things you enjoy and be good for your self.

• Help and support people who have been through the similar experiences. It can be very important to them to have someone who understands and supports them.

• Do not make any major life decisions in the time following the traumatic experience. You might regret your decision later; instead make many small decisions on a daily basis. This will help you get back the feeling of control over your life.

• Allow yourself to feel bad about what happened. You have been through a traumatic experience, so do not beat yourself up if you feel rotten about it. But do not over react or dwell in it.

• Do not think you are crazy or that you are losing your mind. It is a perfectly normal reaction to what has happened. So do not label yourself crazy.