Almost all of us have had traumatic experiences in our live. Some that we remember and others we probably don’t. Trauma, in the body, can be understood as the chronic and persistent dysregulation of the nervous system due to overwhelming events or life circumstances. These traumas often inhibit us and hold us back from being “at our best” in the social and professional situations we find ourselves in every day. Trauma can leave you struggling with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.
When we experience emotional trauma, oftentimes, we’re told to focus on ourselves— but that can be much easier said than done. When it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it’s challenging to even find the strength to lift yourself or push yourself out of bed or even carry out your daily routine tasks. In fact, finding the strength to heal from emotional trauma can be utterly exhausting and debilitating at times. However, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your well-being. With that in mind, here are a few steps to get you started:
- Accept support from Loved Ones
It’s important to connect with your loved ones regularly and avoid isolating yourself. It takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to heal a person. Surrounding yourself with those who support, love, and respect you will be invaluable on your path to healing.
- Grounding Yourself
Grounding techniques may help people with anxiety or PTSD. The purpose of grounding techniques is to return the person to reality during a panic attack or traumatic flashback. For example, listening to calming sounds or touching a plant can help people connect with the environment and disconnect from upsetting memories or emotions.
- Be Willing to Heal
The desire to feel better can be your best ally on the road to recovery. The reactions you experience because of trauma are only responses— they are not who you are. In order to heal from psychological and emotional trauma, you’ll need to resolve the unpleasant feelings and memories you’ve long avoided, discharge pent-up “fight-or-flight” energy, learn to regulate strong emotions, and rebuild your ability to trust other people.
It may be hard to believe this now, but you must remember the heart does heal. Love yourself enough to believe that you deserve refuge from pain and suffering. With faith and willingness to take the right steps, you will experience new levels of joy, appreciation, and vitality once you have healed.