“After a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment.”
― Judith Lewis Herman
Emotional trauma is everywhere, and so many of us become its victims.
When we lose a loved one, or a crushing event breaks our sense of security, we can start seeing our surroundings and even the people around us as potentially threatening. Even if a particular event does not cause us physical harm, being trapped in a state of constant fear can still cause us to live a life of stagnancy.
But what countermeasures can we take against this?
In this article we will explore the key stages of healing from emotional trauma.
1. Take time
Recovery is not instantaneous. Healing requires time. It is truly important to give yourself the necessary time to reflect on what has happened, and to allow yourself to acknowledge your emotions as they are. Processing your experiences and taking the time to accept them is one of the first steps towards recovery. Don’t rush it – take as much time as you need.
2. Share it
If you feel at ease sharing your reflections with your partner, a close friend, or a family member, don’t hesitate to do so. Alternatively, you can write them down by yourself. Describe how and when the painful incident first occurred, what was your reaction then, and how you see the whole event now. Opening up to another person or writing down your emotions and experiences is a vital step in healing. Writing letters (but not sending them) to the people who caused you pain can also truly be an effective method for banishing a negative emotion out of your system.
3. Humor and laughter
Humor and joyful experiences of laughter are crucial in the process of recovery. It will help you immensely in feeling more hopeful and positive. It is emotionally and physically impossible to feel stress and humor simultaneously. There is no better medication for healing from trauma than a good freeing laugh.
4. Seek support from loved ones
When recovering from emotional trauma, it is important to seek the support of others and avoid total isolation. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but it also takes a village to heal a person in need. Surrounding yourself with the people who love, respect and support you will be a highly important step on your path to recovery.
5. Move your body
Gym and other forms of physical exercise release endorphins, and make you feel focused, stable and safe. Regular physical activity is a vital part of your recovery and will help create positive feelings which have been overshadowed by your emotional trauma.
It may not be easy to believe this now, but you must keep in mind that your heart will indeed heal. Love yourself sufficiently to believe that you deserve to be free from this pain and suffering. Through faith and willingness to take the necessary steps, you will experience untapped levels of joy, vitality, and appreciation once you’ve recovered.
For more information on how to heal from emotional trauma, please see the video below.
We hope that this article has helped you get started on your journey towards recovery. Tell us about your own story and healing tips in the comment section and please share this article if you’ve found it of value.
