How to Heal Yourself Emotionally After Trauma
I have a confession to make. Years ago, a friend of mine was often talking to me about the challenges of her healing journey following an abusive relationship. While I was able to be compassionate and understanding to an extent, as someone who had never experienced major adversity or trauma in my life, I could never truly grasp the depth of what she was going through.
As horrible as it is to admit this, a part of me felt like she was being too self-indulgent and just needed to ‘get on with it’.
It wasn’t until I experienced major adversity in my own life that I was truly able to grasp the magnitude of what it means to recover from the deep emotional scars of trauma and adversity, and how these wounds impact every aspect of our lives.
I’ve since learned what it feels like to be misunderstood by those who are privileged enough to have avoided adversity in their lives so far. Following the depths of struggle I’ve experienced over the past few years, I’ve been on a mission to educate others on what it means to suffer from trauma and adversity, and how we can start to heal.
In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of self-healing with a particular focus on recovering from trauma and adversity. We'll discuss what self-healing means, its importance, and how it can empower individuals to regain their strength and wellbeing.
What are trauma and adverse life experiences?
Trauma and advserse life experiences can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or experiences of violence. It disrupts a person's sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. Healing from trauma and adversity involves acknowledging the pain, fear, and distress that it has caused, and working through these emotions to regain a sense of stability and security.
What is self-healing?
Self-healing, when applied to recovery from trauma and adversity, is the process by which individuals take an active role in their healing journey. It acknowledges that, while external support is crucial, there's an innate ability within us to mend emotional wounds, reestablish a sense of safety, and regain control over our lives. Here are some key components of self-healing:
Self-Awareness: Recognizing the impact of trauma and adversity and its manifestations in your life is the first step. This awareness helps you understand the source of your pain and the areas that require healing.
Acceptance: Self-healing involves accepting your experiences without judgment. It's essential to recognize that your feelings and reactions are valid and that healing is possible.
Self-Compassion: Being gentle with yourself and showing self-compassion is vital. People who have experienced great difficulties often blame themselves or carry guilt. Self-compassion allows you to release these burdens and forgive yourself.
Empowerment: Self-healing is about taking control of your healing journey. It means actively seeking tools, resources, and practices that promote recovery.
Strategies for Self-Healing in Recovering from Trauma and Adversity
Self-healing encourages people to take ownership of their healing journey, fostering a sense of control and self-determination. While professional support is crucial, self-healing techniques can complement therapy, reducing reliance on external sources for healing. Some ways in which you can start your self-healing journey are:
Therapeutic Techniques and Coping Strategies: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and journaling can help individuals reconnect with their emotions, gain perspective, and reduce anxiety.
Physical Wellbeing: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute to emotional stability and resilience.
Connecting with Supportive Communities: Sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can foster a sense of belonging and understanding.
Emotional Expression: Talking about your experiences, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative activities like art or music can help you express your emotions. This can be therapeutic and aid in processing your feelings.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: Learning to set and enforce healthy boundaries can protect you from re-traumatization and promote emotional safety.
Healing after trauma and adversity is a unique and ongoing process. It's important to understand that there is no fixed timeline for recovery and everyone moves through the process in their own way. The process of self-healing allows people to regain control, find strength in their vulnerability, and rewrite the narrative of their lives. While self-healing is a journey that can be challenging at times, it is a testament to the incredible human capacity for resilience and recovery.
If this piece stirred something in you, if your body remembers the toll that trauma has taken, know that you’re not alone.
Reflect on These Questions to See If Trauma-Informed Counselling Could Help You Heal:
Do you find yourself repeating patterns, such as people-pleasing or self-doubt, despite your best efforts to move forward?
Have you noticed that even small triggers can cause intense emotional reactions, making it hard to feel grounded or in control?
Are you struggling to make decisions or set boundaries in relationships?
You can book a one-on-one session with Meg from wherever you are in the world. Want to learn more? Schedule a 30-min Complimentary Call to share your story and see how we can work together.
