How to help myself after a terrorist attack?

[LionPhish]

Recently witnessed a terrorist attack and I am really struggling. I've taken Diazepam but it isn't really helping. I need to make it to Tuesday somehow without falling apart completely.

Just looking for some ideas on what else I can do for myself over the next few days.

Sorry to clarify - I was already seeing a specialist trauma therapist prior to this happening for CPSTD - so I will continue you to see them [and they are aware of what has happened].

It's just more getting through the next few days and the weekend that I needed the ideas for. Thank you for the book suggestions.

I am so sorry that this has happened to you @LionPhish. All the suggestions are good. Thinking of you

I can imagine there's an element of survivor's guilt there, completely understandable. So tell friends/family, whoever you feel comfortable telling. Could you give the clothes to someone to keep for now? If they're not needed for any evidence or anything perhaps it may be therapeutic to bury them - when you are ready. No need to make decisions now.

Ah ok, that makes a lot of sense re the clothes.

Do you feel able to honour the indecision you feel by putting them into a safe holding place where you won’t see them for a day or two, or even until morning?

@PlatinumBrunette

Play Tetris. Seriously. There's something about it that helps override the intrusive thoughts. There has been research. In a similar situation, I played solitaire constantly. It helped. So sorry you've experienced this. Talking about it helps too - a problem shared is a problem halved and all that.

That's really interesting. I've never heard of anyone else doing it but I also have a tendency to play Solitaire (on phone) when waiting for eg. an extremely important/upsetting phone call. It's a total escape for the mind.

I'm so very sorry you're going through this. I'm sorry I have no useful advice, just a handhold

I am sorry you have experienced this

We are all different but I found small self care acts were helpful. This could be outing, but the day after a similar experience I went to IKEA and bought some inexpensive things to brighten up my inside space. Otherwise, I did simple little things that felt comforting. Heading outside in plenty of layers for a walk somewhere pretty, arranging to meet a friend, listening to radio plays or audio books as I felt too distracted to read. Playing patience with a deck of cards. You know yourself best.

@LionPhish

Recently witnessed a terrorist attack and I am really struggling. I've taken Diazepam but it isn't really helping. I need to make it to Tuesday somehow without falling apart completely.

Just looking for some ideas on what else I can do for myself over the next few days.

All the best op, these may not help but if it were me,ect

Then, keep my mind occupied, try not to think of over think the issue,

What ifs are good, if you can channel it into productive thoughts e.g. Have a survival go bag, depending on the types, methods ect, can skills be developed e.g. Situational awareness, basic first aid, main routes in and out the area, ect

Keep talking about it. Don't avoid it. Talk, talk, talk. If you don't have anyone apart from your therapist to talk to, write thoughts down. Get it all out.
I was caught up in a terrorist attack a few years ago. It took a while but the images and what if's and disbelief (we made a decision, 3 minutes before the attack, that saved our lives) did fade and I rarely think about it anymore.
Put the clothes in a bag, and put the bag in the bin. Don't hold on to them.
Sending love.

What would help me would be writing lists of everything that makes me feel secure.
Eg
I'm still me
My cats love me
My home is my safe place

So sorry for all of those of you who have been caught up in similar.

I've spent the day tidying so I actually have some calm around me for the weekend.

I may go for a run tomorrow.

And I have finally eaten something that resembles something vaguely healthy.

Thank you for all the ideas.

ParkRun
Breakfast out
Cinema
Mindless TV
Jigsaw from charity shop
Charity shop trawl
Podcast
Speaking to friend
Speaking to another friend
Seeing a friend with a dog
Swimming/climbing
Boardgame with a friend
Puzzle book
Dancing with music (home alone/curtains closed)
Bookshop / Library
Posting on forums anonymously/helpline
Audiobook and adult colouring book
Knitting/crotchet/painting/macrame
Bath/blowdry/moisturising/facemask/nail painting