6 Tips to Help Anxiety and Soothe Your Inner Child
By Natalie Rasa
There is power in parenting yourself and turning into your inner child. Below are some tips for coping with trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms such as “traumatic transference”.
When you feel triggered, ask yourself….
Am I regressing to a certain age? If so, what age?
What did my childhood self need at that age? Safety? Security? Give what you needed then, to yourself now.
State aloud what day it is and the date. Remind yourself, “I’m not in this situation anymore”.
Create a safety “toolbox”. What will give you that safety? Baths, tea, aromatherapy, positive reading (poetry, words of affirmation, “feel good” chapters from your favorite novel. If religious, bible scripts), cuddling in a weighted blanket, going to a private room with a locked door, textured items that feel comforting. Whatever brings you a sense of safety.
Repeat to yourself the mantra, “I am safe.”
Talk to your inner child. Comfort them. Be the person you needed then. What would you tell them? What would they want to hear?
PTSD symptoms and feeling triggered can be really scary and overwhelming. Mental health is an important facet of our health. You’re not alone. Reaching out to one of our trauma informed therapists can help.
