5 Tips for Managing Distress After Being Attacked

The world is getting more dangerous each day with senseless violence and target attacks risking personal safety. 

After being attacked, physical injuries are not the only worry you have. Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks also show up with no notice causing you to relive the trauma. 

This range of emotions can cripple you, limiting your recovery.  

These tips will help you deal with unsettling thoughts, improve your security and help you heal from attack-related distress.  

1. Get Support

A traumatic incident will leave you vulnerable, and there is no shame in seeking support. Being alone means you remain haunted by your emotions and thoughts.

It would help if you had a different perspective of the trauma. Having people to talk to who also listen to your feelings and account of events will help you move forward. 

Seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in helping people in a similar position to cope. 

It’d help to connect with other people who have experienced a similar traumatic event. As you interact with those who face similar difficulties, the sense of helplessness that often follows the trauma subsides. 

Apart from counselors and local support groups, your close circle is also an excellent source of strength. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or religious leader, keep them close, these are your pillars of emotional support. 

If you live alone, consider expanding your social network while taking advantage of community organizations and shared interest groups. 

2. Hire Security

Are you worried that your attackers will seek a second chance, especially if they failed the first time? 

Once you establish that you are vulnerable, you may need the assistance and protection of a personal security guard. You don’t have to fit celebrity or high profile “labels” to be eligible for this form of protection.

Analyze your situation or threat level and decide whether you need unarmed or armed security guards to protect you. It’d restore your peace of mind knowing you have professional help to identify, discourage, and neutralize potential threats.

Many people prefer personal protection whenever they feel threatened as it ensures you and your loved ones are kept safe from potential harm. 

3. Seek Solution for Stress

It is natural that your body responds to the attack through stress.

While being stressed is a normal response, excessive stress, especially after a dangerous attack, prevents you from recovering. 

Practice relaxation skills like meditation and mindfulness to help reduce stress. There are many videos online which come in handy if you are new to these techniques. 

Besides relaxation practices, enjoying your favorite activities or the companionship of pets can help with the healing process. Immediate stress relievers can be preparing and enjoying your favorite food as it releases endorphins—natural substances that help maintain a positive attitude and calm you down. 

4. Avoid Drugs but Try Cannabis

It’s common for people to resort to drugs for momentary relief.

However, the long-term repercussions aren’t worth it. 

You want to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine products. They may offer momentary relief, but they do more damage than good. They also come with a high risk of dependence and addiction.

While cannabis is also a drug, it has many health benefits and few known side effects.

As a prescription, medical cannabis may help reduce inflammation caused by the attack or help with sleep. A 2018 study relating cannabis to stress relief found that cannabinoids reduce stress extensively with no adverse side effects like paranoia. 

Also, Read How Not to Get Stressed at college?

5. Accept What Happened

Denial is the enemy of recovery. 

It is easy to deny the traumatic experience rather than confront it and heal. Denial keeps you safe from the anger, shock, and guilt associated with the attack. 

However, you need to recognize that these emotions are the body’s natural response to trauma, even though they’re negative. It would help if you accepted what happened to you, realizing that you lost your sense of safety and security. 

Accepting these uncomfortable feelings is crucial in:

• Dealing with pain
• Expressing your disappointment
• Preparing for the road to recovery

In Summary 

Managing distress after an attack means dealing with the physical pain and the confusing, intense, and frightening emotions. 

We’ve highlighted the best tips for recovery after a violent attack. We advise you to consult with your doctor to help you pick a coping strategy that best suits your situation.