top of page

Supporting Yourself

​

A moment in time has changed life as you knew it.

You can expect to:

  • Feel strong emotions; shock, fear, despair, sadness...

  • Feel irrationally angry 

  • Have difficulty sleeping

  • Have feelings of hopelessness

  • Be unable to re-engage with usual activities

  • Feel a sense of losing one’s place in the world

  • Feel shame, guilt, blame, worthlessness and self-loathing

  • Be resistant to receiving support

You may have difficulty with:​

  • Physical body sensations: racing heart, difficulty breathing, nausea...

  • Flashbacks

  • Being around people

  • Making simple decisions  

  • Concentration

  • Your memory 

  • Coping with silence

  • Coping with conversation

  • Listening to music - too emotional, lyrics may be triggering…

​

Ask yourself whether what you are doing is helping or harming you.

Be kind to yourself at this time. Try to share with those who are supporting you how you are feeling. Ask for support if you can.

​

Pay attention to what 'helps or harms' you as you learn to be in this 'different' world. If what you are doing or thinking is upsetting, try to pivot and change the activity.

​

If you need help NOW call Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508TAUTOKO) (Available 24/7)

​

Check out this page for more supports.

Be Kind To Yourself

You will be going through more than anyone else can imagine, and the task of 'holding on' may seem like a losing battle at times. You don't need to be in this alone.

You are encouraged to:

  • Find a psychotherapist or counsellor to work with you as you heal.

  • Join the private Profound Impact Facebook group where you can connect with others who have experienced similar trauma.

  • Attend the monthly meetings established through The Hyacinth Fellowship

  • Take time everyday to be in nature, exercise, eat nourishing food and have social connection with those you know care.

  • Seek out some form of touch or massage. It may be beneficial and help alleviate suffering. Even the act of self touch, slowly and gently touching your hands and arms for example, can provide comfort. A full body massage can be beneficial.

  • Seek some form of gentle movement /exercise which may also be beneficial.

  • Try journalling thoughts & feelings/drawing them/mind mapping/creative expression as this may aid in the gentle processing of complex grief and trauma.

Sometimes we need someone to simply be there.

  • Every day, look for reasons to stay hopeful and in touch with the beauty of the world.  Add something to a list, each day, that you are grateful for eg. The sun on your face...

Returning to work along a pathway filled with light and love.

Returning to Work

 

Returning to work can be a daunting experience. You may find it useful to send this list of suggestions ahead of your return.

​

"As my days look to increase and I integrate back into the world, I wanted to share what I would find helpful when you see me:

​

  • Please be patient. I am not the same person as the person you knew before the accident.

  • Please talk to me - not talking may isolate me.

  • Please don't act as though nothing has happened - It's okay to acknowledge my pain and the accident. I am living with it always.

  • Don't feel bad if I cry. It's not because of you or what you have said - it's because I am living through trauma.

  • Don't hold back 'happy' news. I still enjoy someone else's success/life news.

  • Whether imagined or real, I feel a sense of blame from others. Please know that it was never my intention to hurt anyone. I am deeply sorry and sad that this event has happened and if I could, I would change, in a heart beat, the circumstances that led to the accident happening."

bottom of page