Traumatic experiences can shake us to our core, leaving wounds that may seem impossible to heal. The aftermath of a traumatic experience can cast a long, dark shadow, impacting our relationships, sense of safety, and overall well-being in ways that are both profound and enduring. Today, we discuss how to heal from trauma and regain a sense of control.
The Power of Trauma
Whether our trauma consisted of a single, shattering event or from prolonged exposure to adversity, it has the power to leave us feeling deeply wounded, with painful scars that linger.
Trauma can fundamentally reshape our sense of self, leaving lasting imprints that reach far beyond the initial experience.
It can strip away our sense of agency and may lead to feelings of unworthiness or helplessness.
Because it makes us feel out of control, it becomes difficult to make decisions or take action.
This can exacerbate our negative feelings, and further damage our self-esteem and relationships.
We must understand, acknowledge and accept the depth of this impact.
It is difficult but important to remember that healing is possible.
Healing requires courage, vulnerability, and self-compassion, but with time, effort, and support, we can reclaim our personal power and transform our pain into strength.
The Pervasiveness of Trauma
Trauma is a pervasive phenomenon that transcends geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries. Studies show that nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced a traumatic event and that 7-8% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD from a traumatic experience at some point in their lives. Further, a significant portion of the global population has experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime. In short, the alarming ubiquity of trauma can’t be denied.
This widespread influence of trauma means that there are many who have been and are suffering, often in silence.
Because the aftermath of trauma extends way beyond bad memories.
Traumatic experiences can deeply affect how we see ourselves as well as how we view our own agency and ability to take control of our lives.
It is essential to validate our feelings and give ourselves permission to grieve the loss of safety and security that may have been shattered by the trauma if we wish to heal.
How to Heal from Trauma: Building Understanding
Trauma can stem from direct exposure to violence, natural disasters, loss, or adverse childhood experiences, among other things.
Major categories of trauma can be categorized as follows:
- Childhood Trauma: Emotional or physical abuse during formative years can have lasting effects.
- PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder often arises from experiencing or witnessing life-threatening situations, like combat or natural disasters.
- Complex Trauma: Involves repeated and prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often in childhood.
Symptoms of trauma can manifest in various ways.
Physical signs include chronic pain, fatigue, or sleep problems. Emotional signs such as anxiety, depression, or irritability may also occur. Last, behavioral signs, such as isolation, perfectionism, anger outbursts, or substance abuse may also be present.
Those who have experienced childhood trauma may struggle with relationships as an adult or feel constantly on edge.
A critical step in healing from trauma is acknowledging its impact. Recognize the pain, fear, and other emotions that may arise when reflecting on the traumatic experience. They are real and valid.
How to Heal from Trauma: Seek Support
Healing from trauma is not a process to undertake alone.
Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and experiences.
Working with a mental health professional can offer valuable tools and techniques to help you navigate the healing process.
How to Heal from Trauma: Self-Compassion and Self-Care
Be gentle with yourself as you work to heal from trauma.
Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your own strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
If needed, remind yourself that healing is a nonlinear process that may involve setbacks and challenges along the way.
Be kind to yourself. Accepting your imperfections is vital in healing.
Consider exploring these self-compassion and self-care exercises:
- Daily Affirmations: Write positive statements about yourself.
- Self-Reflection: Keep track of moments when you speak harshly to yourself and reframe them.
- Mindfulness: Engage in meditation or deep breathing.
- Exercise: Exercise regularly to boost your mood.
- Healthy Eating: Nourish your body with nutritious foods.
These practices can help restore balance, improve your outlook and build resilience.
Reconnect with Your Inner Strength
Though we may not know it’s there, we all possess an innate inner strength that can guide us through even the darkest of times.
Reconnect with this strength by reflecting on past experiences where you have demonstrated resilience and overcome adversity.
Use these moments as sources of inspiration as you reclaim your personal power and agency.
When we heal from trauma allows us to re-write our own story from a place of strength and resilience. To transition from feeling like a victim to being victorious, despite the odds.
Cultivate Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to support healing.
Pursue activities that bring peace and joy, such as meditation, yoga, creative expression, or spending time in nature.
These practices can help us stay grounded, present, and connected to ourselves as we navigate the healing process.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help is a vital step in healing from trauma.
A trained mental health professional, such as a counselor, therapist, or psychologist, can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the complex aftermath of traumatic experiences.
By offering a safe and nonjudgmental space, they can help you to process emotions, gain insight into your thoughts and behaviors, and develop coping strategies.
Additionally, they can provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address the profound effects of trauma on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
Seeking professional help also provides access to specialized resources and interventions tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering a path towards healing, resilience, and restored well-being.
The guidance and expertise of mental health professionals can help you to reclaim your sense of agency, rebuild your life, and successfully progress towards lasting healing and growth.
Selecting the right a therapist is key. Look for someone who specializes in trauma. Use resources like Psychology Today’s therapist finder to locate a qualified professional in your area.
How to Heal from Trauma: Reclaim Your Narrative
Cognitive distortions can perpetuate the cycle of trauma. Recognize these thoughts. Challenge them with evidence. For instance, if you think, “I am unlovable,” list reasons why that isn’t true.
Reframing allows you to find meaning in traumatic events.
Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as opportunities for growth. For instance, someone who endured trauma may use that experience to help others.
Expressing feelings through writing or art can also be therapeutic. Journaling may help you to process your emotions. Creative outlets can boost self-esteem and provide some relief.
How to Heal from Trauma: Cultivating Resilience
Resilience is your ability to bounce back and to persevere through obstacles and challenges. Resilience is not a trait but a skill. In other words, it’s something that we can practice and get better at.
When we develop adaptive coping strategies, foster a strong support network, and nurture a positive self-concept in the face of adversity, we cultivate resilience.
Activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, and creative expression can also strengthen resilience and enhance one’s ability to heal from trauma.
In essence, by nurturing resilience, we can transform our experiences of trauma into sources of strength on the path towards healing and restoration.
Strategies to help build resilience include practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress and surrounding yourself with encouraging friends and family.
How to Heal from Trauma
Healing from trauma is possible, and reclaiming personal power can change your life. Take actionable steps today. Additional resources are available:
- Helplines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
- Websites: MentalHealth.gov
- Books: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
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