As region mourns, psychologist offers coping tips
Print
Photo by: John Shishmanian – Norwich Bulletin
All of us have been affected by the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of four Griswold High School students.
Yet we have different connections to these circumstances, and this will affect both how we relate to the issues and how we need to adjust our coping strategies to them.
There is a quietness in our school hallways, not just in Griswold, but throughout many, many schools in our communities, this is not surprising – and should not concern you.
James O’Dea, PhD, a clinical psychologist and Assistant Vice President, Business Operations at Backus Hospital, offers these helpful tips to remember when dealing with emotional trauma and painful emotional issues:
- Pace yourself. “I use the expression, ‘it’s likely to be a marathon, not a sprint,’” Dr. O’Dea said. That means you should try to deal with these issues in little bits at a time. Take a break after talking about these painful things and do something that brings you comfort – watching an old movie you know you love, working out, prayer, calling (not texting!!) a friend.
- Rely on your natural supports. This can be a time to freshen up friendships and relationships. Make a point to find someone for a lunch or a dinner visit. Stop by someone’s house for a cup of coffee.
- Stick to a normal routine as much as possible. It sounds simple, but the concrete, simple things make a big difference in times like these – eat right, get an appropriate amount of rest, exercise a bit.
- Talk to people. “And I mean talk: Face to face, human contact is important,” Dr. O’Dea said. “Electronic media, social networking, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, these forms of communication are all good tools, but they are only tools – and they do not offer the solace and comfort that we need during these times. Some say that much of communication is non-verbal, as much as 80%. That is especially true now. Strong, important emotions are not well communicated with smiley faces, and dashes and dots at the end of a text. Use this as a chance to break that habit and talk to someone!”
- Use faith-based supports. Few resources are as well-equipped to help during these times as our rabbis, ministers, imans, priests, pastors. Reach out to these resources and you will find comfort and much wisdom.
“Peace to all of you during this season and trying time,” Dr. O’Dea said.