Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve recently encountered a distressing event and are dealing with trauma, you might also be wondering – “am I going to feel depressed and lousy indefinitely?”
As someone who has gone through the same experience as you, I understand how you might be feeling. And trust me, it will take some time for you to move on and feel cheerful again.
However, there is a way that can help you quicken this entire recovery process to some extent. Yes, going to an expert should certainly be your top priority.
But, there are still a few things I’d personally ask you to follow. Just ensure that you are being calm and patient. You will, indeed, be okay, no matter how bad you feel.
Have faith in yourself and let me tell you about how you can avoid the heavy burden of trauma that you are carrying. It will all be alright again, I promise.
What is Meant by Trauma?
Medically speaking, trauma is an emotive response, which occurs when you experience a single or a series of traumatic or distressing incidents. But, what do I mean by a ‘traumatic incident?’
Well, it can be anything that affects your mental health, such as –
- Experiencing a natural disaster
- Losing someone you loved and cared about
- Suffering from a health disorder
- Being a patient of sexual violence
- Getting injured in a bad accident
If you or someone has experienced a traumatic incident, they might feel shocked or be in denial about the same. This type of emotional response is what is known as trauma.
The long-term reactions of trauma can include –
- Relationship challenges
- Mood swings
- Flashbacks of the incident
- Physical symptoms that you had suffered due to the incident
These reactions may seem a little concerning to someone who’s not experiencing them, but it’s totally normal. So, if you see someone acting as such, do your best to help them out.
How Do You Overcome Trauma?
Overcoming trauma can be a difficult task, especially if you’re not entirely sure about what has caused it. Thus, in that case, it will be better for you to talk to someone who understands you or your situation properly. If you want, you may also do a few things to get better quickly.
Here’s what you need to know about them –
1. Acknowledge and Understand Your Feelings
It’s crucial to recognize and accept your feelings. Whether it’s anger, sadness, confusion, or fear — it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.
Give yourself permission to process those emotions without judgment.
Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of suppressing our feelings, but acknowledging them is the first step towards healing. So, I’d suggest you keep working on this aspect.
2. Reach Out for Support
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends, family, or anyone you trust. Talking about your experiences with someone who cares can be incredibly therapeutic.
Often, sharing your feelings will help provide validation and reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles. And, trust me, you will feel much better once you feel understood
3. Practice Self-Care
Take time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It could be going for a walk in nature, painting, writing, or practicing mindfulness exercises. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential to take care of your well-being during challenging times.
There’s one thing I would like to add here. Working on yourself doesn’t really mean that you’ll forget about your friends or family members.
Be sure to check up on them too and ensure that you are not ignoring them. Remember, they’re the ones who truly love and care for you. So, shutting the door in front of them will never help.
Should You Take an Expert’s Help?
If you feel like nothing’s working out for you, then it’s time for you to take an expert’s help. He or she, being an expert, will understand precisely where you are coming from and offer you the right suggestion in the end. Here’s why you should opt for them –
1. Expertise and Experience
Mental health professionals are trained to understand trauma and its impact on individuals. They have experience dealing with various traumas, and they know effective strategies to help you overcome them. If needed, they’ll also recommend medications to you.
So, make sure not to ask those about it from your end.
2. Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment
Therapy provides a safe space where you can express your feelings openly without fear of judgment. A therapist will listen to you attentively, providing the empathy and support you need to be confident again and heal yourself through everything.
3. Tailored Approach
Every person’s trauma is unique, and what works for one individual might not work for another. A therapist can customize their approach to your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring a more effective healing process. Trust me, sometimes letting it all out helps more than anything.
4. Addressing Underlying Issues
Sometimes, trauma might be connected to deeper underlying issues. A mental health expert can help you explore and address these issues, fostering long-term healing and personal growth.
If you’re able to tell them about what’s been buried deep inside your head, it’ll be easier for you to move on from it permanently.
5. Support and Accountability
Therapy offers consistent support and guidance. Your therapist will walk with you through the healing journey, providing valuable insights, coping strategies, and holding you accountable for your progress. Such psychological support is bound to make you feel better than before.
The Bottom Line
Overcoming trauma is a journey that requires self-compassion, patience, and support.
While friends and family can provide valuable support, seeking assistance from a mental health professional is vital for more severe traumas.
Always remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help. On the contrary, it’s a courageous step towards reclaiming your life and finding strength in vulnerability.
So, if you’ve experienced trauma and are struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek out a mental health expert from a renowned center like Pinnacle Recovery.
Together, you can embark on a path of healing and resilience, moving towards a much brighter and happier future. You deserve it!