It is estimated that 70% of all adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That means that nearly 160 million people are dealing with the effects of trauma.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help yourself heal from trauma. Here are some tips:
1. Acknowledge what happened. It’s important to recognize that what happened to you was traumatic. Denial will only make it harder to heal.
2. Give yourself time to grieve. Don’t try to push your feelings away or bottle them up. It’s normal and healthy to feel sad, angry, or scared after a traumatic event. Allow yourself time to process these emotions in whatever way works for you, whether it’s through journaling, talking with a therapist, or spending time with friends and family members who support you.
3. Seek professional help if needed. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or if you just don’t feel like you can cope on your own, consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in treating trauma survivors.
Acknowledge and recognize the trauma for what it is
One way to do this is to talk about what happened with someone who will understand and support you, such as a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. If you don’t feel ready to talk about the experience yet, that’s okay. You can also write down your thoughts and feelings about what happened in a journal or on paper. Just getting your thoughts and feelings out can be helpful in begin to process them.
In addition to talking or writing about the event, another way to begin acknowledgement is simply by allowing yourself time to think about what happened. This might mean taking some time each day to sit quietly and reflect on the experience. Or, it might mean thinking about it before you go to bed at night so that your mind can process it while you sleep. Whatever method works best for you, giving yourself time and space to really think about what happened is an important part of acknowledgement.
Reclaim control
When you’ve been through a traumatic experience, it can feel like you’ve lost control of your life. You may feel like you’re a victim of circumstance, powerless to change what has happened. But it is possible to take back control and begin the process of healing.
There are many ways to begin reclaiming control after trauma. One important step is to seek professional help if you need it. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you work through your experiences. If you don’t feel ready for therapy, there are other options available, such as support groups or self-help books on trauma recovery.
It’s also important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally after a traumatic event. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly to help reduce stress levels. Make time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. This may include spending time with friends and family, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby.
You may find it helpful to talk about your experiences with someone who understands what you’re going through. Talking about trauma can be difficult, but it can also be therapeutic. If you don’t have anyone in your life who can provide this support, consider joining a survivors group or participating in online forums dedicated to trauma recovery.
Most importantly, give yourself time to heal emotionally from the trauma before making any major decisions in your life. This includes things like changing jobs or relationships, moving homes, or starting new hobbies or interests.
Seek support and don’t isolate yourself
If you’ve experienced trauma, it’s important to seek support and not isolate yourself. There are many different types of support available, including professional counseling or therapy, support groups, and online resources. Friends and family can also be a great source of support.
It’s normal to feel scared, confused, and alone after experiencing trauma. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this-many other people have been through similar experiences. Talking about your feelings can be a helpful way to start processing what happened and begin healing.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips:
Find a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating trauma. This is often the most effective form of treatment for resolving trauma-related issues.
Attend a support group for people who have experienced trauma. This can provide valuable social support and allow you to share your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.
Take care of your health
It is important to take care of your health after experiencing trauma. This includes both physical and mental health. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Also, be sure to see a doctor if you have any physical injuries. It is also important to talk to someone about your experience who can help you process the trauma. This may be a therapist, counselor, or support group.
Learn the true meaning of acceptance and letting go
If you are like most people, you have experienced some form of trauma in your life. Whether it was a car accident, a natural disaster, or something else entirely, the effects of trauma can be devastating. The good news is that there is help available and you can learn to resolve trauma on your own.
The first step in resolving trauma is to accept what has happened. This may seem impossible at first, but it is essential in order to move forward. Denial will only prolong the pain and make it harder to heal. Once you have accepted what has happened, you can begin to let go of the past and focus on the present.
It is also important to understand that not all forms of trauma are created equal. Some traumas are more severe than others and will require more time and effort to resolve. However, no matter how severe the trauma may be, healing is possible with time and patience.
One of the best ways to resolve trauma is through therapy. A therapist can help you work through your emotions and learn healthy coping strategies for dealing with stressors in your life. If therapy isn’t right for you, there are also many self-help books and online resources available that can be helpful in resolving trauma on your own.
No matter what method you choose for resolving trauma, it is important to be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal. Recovery from traumatic events takes time, but it is possible if you are willing to put in the work required for healing.
Replace bad habits with good ones
Regarding resolving trauma, bad habits can often get in the way. If you find yourself engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms like self-harm, drinking, or using drugs, it’s important to replace those habits with healthier ones. Here are some tips for how to do that:
Identify your triggers: What situations or thoughts trigger your urge to engage in your bad habit? Once you know what those triggers are, you can start to avoid them or come up with a plan for how to deal with them in a healthy way.
Reach out for support: Tell a trusted friend or family member about your struggle and ask for their help. Having someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.
Find an alternative coping mechanism: When you’re feeling triggered, find something else to do that will help you feel better. This could include things like exercise, journaling, listening to music, or spending time outside.
Seek professional help: If your bad habit is impacting your life in a negative way and you can’t seem to stop on your own, seek out professional help from a therapist or counselor who can assist you in resolving the underlying issues causing your trauma.
Be patient with yourself
It takes time to heal from trauma. There is no one “right” way to heal, and there is no timeline for healing. Give yourself permission to take the time you need.
Be gentle with yourself. Be patient as you allow yourself to feel the pain of the trauma. Don’t judge yourself for how long it takes or how you are feeling.
Find a support system of friends, family, or professionals who can offer emotional support and understanding. Talking about your experience can be helpful in processing the trauma and may help you to feel less alone.
Do things that make you feel good. This could include spending time outside in nature, listening to music, practicing yoga or meditation, journaling, or spending time with animals. Find what works for you and do it regularly.