If this feels like a battle, these are the rules – Rules 3 & 4

17.12.2023

Author: Shiri Ben-Arzi, PMC, MCC

This is the 2^nd blog post in the series of blog posts called – If this feels like a battle, these are the rules –  20 Rules for times of crisis”.

In this post, I’ll address rules 3 and 4.

(to read the post about rules 1 & 2, click HERE. 

Rule #3 –

The primary support protocol for a traumatic crisis (including a health or medical one) – is similar to the protocol for treating a broken bone:

1. Stabilize the place and keep it protected from additional shocks and injuries.
   This means meeting basic needs and eliminating additional stressors and triggers.
2. Provide the needed resources to allow healing.
   This means resources on physical, emotional, mental, and social levels to increase resilience and agility.
3. Provide support to the rest of the system.
   This means addressing secondary needs and concerns like family, work, school, etc.
4. Be patient.
   This means understanding that people heal at their own pace.
5. Be kind and understanding.
   This means releasing judgment and attachment and embracing tenderness and compassion.

 

Rule #4 –

In times of extreme crisis, our nervous system becomes overloaded, locking the trauma inside the physical and emotional body.

Provide a controlled outlet through any emotional expression that feels possible. If that feels impossible, start moving the body using Emotional 1st Aid interventions.
When you feel ready and able, start giving words to what you have experienced (even if it feels there are no words or the words do not make sense).

This outlet will ensure the traumatic aspects of the experience are processed and released from your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual systems.

 

In the next blog post, I will address rules 5 and 6.