Dr Fran Vertue
Small Steps Forward To Get Back Into Everyday Life After The Earthquake
- Pick one thing you want to get back to
- Break down the job of getting back into lots of small steps
- Take one step at a time and be patient with yourself
- Stay on the same step until it is easier
- Go back a step if its too hard
- It is important to take a step often
- Ask others for support to take steps
- Notice how far you have come
- Give yourself a pat on the back!
Here are some steps that could be taken over a number of days to go back into a building. Repeat each step until you feel OK about it, then move on to the next step. When you feel anxious, slow your breathing down and talk calming talk to yourself
- Go to the building car park
- Walk to the building door
- Go into the building entrance
- Stay on the same level and go further into the building
- Gradually go to parts of the building you find more challenging
