In a recent blog, Teg talks about trauma. How it impacts every part of us.

This was really helpful for me this week as two separate traumas triggered me in different ways. Firstly, last Thursday in the tremendous thunderstorms that happened all over the UK, my house was flooded again. My son suddenly told me to look in the back garden and very shortly afterwards the rainwater was streaming through the patio doors and under the front door. Like Groundhog Day, we raided the linen cupboard in a vain attempt to curb the flooding. It was my lovely big son who also noticed when the water was subsiding. 

I am lucky. Although in my neighbours houses, their floors have lifted, mine hasn't. I haven't had to move out this time  and the damage seems to be negligible. But the psychological impact, the reminder of last time, and the  realisation  that my home Is not the safe and secure place I was sold Is unsettling.

Like many big shocks, the adrenaline kicks in. There was too much to do to think much. The trauma of it only really hit me last week when I was back at work.

And then, just as I was trying to come to terms with that, an old friend whom I had spent the weekend with at a university reunion, triggered something unexpectedly. Out of the blue, she texted me to ask me what an old boyfriend had been doing. The problem was twofold. One, I misread the text and thought she was asking me what he was doing now. And two, he died 30 years ago. I jumped to the assumption that she had forgotten. This caused massive offence. At the same time, although I had come to terms with his death, I was only 24 when it happened and it hit me like a brick. Something that was part of my past, but was very traumatic was exposed at the least expected moment.

So trauma can have a long lasting effect. These are small examples.

But Teg's wise words were about how you look after yourself post trauma. Yesterday, I had an incredibly busy day. Today I decided was my day of rest and recuperation. Other than walking the dog, I bought the paper and had one of my wonderful afternoon naps. I made soup for tea with a fresh loaf to accompany it.

I am now cosily installed on the sofa under a couple of blankets. 

How do you do deal with reminders of trauma? What habits or actions do you know comfort you?

Brum Mum

A Moodscope member