CPTSD, PTSD and Trauma: Distracting Yourself from Fear (and 6 Tips)

Fear is inevitable. And when you’ve suffered a trauma, it’s everywhere. If I’m not careful, I could let fear rule my day. My life. But I’m finding there are ways to distract myself from my fear.

If you think about it, a minimal amount of fear is healthy. It helps us make safe choices. Steers us away from danger. But too much fear can cause us not to take healthy risks. It can limit how we live our life. And if we’re not careful, it can paralyze us. 

I remember being in my 20s and not really having any fear. I was almost too fearless and took a lot of risks. But now in my 40s, I’ve noticed my fear increasing. And I’m trying to find ways to manage it so it doesn’t take over my life. 

So if you’re like me and you find yourself having a lot of fear, here are a few ways to distract yourself from it:

1. Surrender to the situation. This is the simplest yet the most complex concept. Life is life. Stuff happens. We all die. I find that if I can surrender to the situation, I can lessen my fear. And love my life.
2. Sing. I find this especially helpful when I’m fearful when driving. After having been in a few car accidents, one where I flew across the expressway backward and ended up in a ditch, I have a lot of fear when driving, but I find that singing helps me distract myself from the fear.
3. Journal about your fears. Sometimes simply acknowledging what we’re afraid of helps us be less afraid. So grab a notebook or type into the Notes section of your phone and get writing. 
4. Stay active. I find that if I sit and wallow in my fears they become worse. It’s like giving them fuel to grow. But if I’m active and healthy, they have less room in my life. For I’m doing everything I can do to live my best life. Where there’s no room for unnecessary fear. 
5. Meditate. Meditating helps us connect to ourselves, which can help us distinguish our fear from our reality. It doesn’t have to be long. You can sit for five minutes and breathe deeply, do a guided meditation, or even go for a walk in nature. Whatever you do, try to put your mind at ease. I like to focus on letting go. 
6. Talk to a psychotherapist. If you notice your fears are running your life, consider speaking with a psychotherapist. They will help you separate your fears from your reality. And can even get to the bottom of what caused your fear in the first place. 

What are the ways you distract yourself from your fears? Take a minute to make a list. And try something new each time your fears arise. 

I wish you all the joys of living your life freely. Without letting fear run it for you. 

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Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash