Deep wounds don’t heal by themselves.
There’s a reason why we clean cuts and tears in our skin. We know that if we leave them alone, untreated wounds damage our bodies and can hurt us even more.
And like with physical wounds, the emotional, mental, and spiritual traumas we face, need to be treated so they don’t hinder our ability to function the way we need and want to. The problem is that emotional wounds aren’t always easy to detect. And the longer they sit, the more we find ways to cope with the challenges. But it’s possible to move beyond coping.
Signs of Trauma
First, we need to recognize the signs of trauma. You may experience flashbacks, avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance, and negative changes in mood and cognition. You may have headaches, trouble sleeping, and difficulty relaxing. You may feel numb, detached, disconnected, anxious, fearful, guilty, or shameful without a clear reason why. You may struggle with intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or avoidance. The list of symptoms is long and not everyone’s symptoms are the same. A therapist or counselor can help you identify any symptoms you are facing and figure out what trauma may have caused them.
Coping Mechanisms
One of the big challenges we have to overcome is the idea that we’ve got our problems fully under control when we haven’t really faced them. We think we’re good because we use coping mechanisms to get around our problems. Coping mechanisms, like temporary bandages, are crucial for immediate survival but often prevent deeper healing. These mechanisms can include anything from emotional eating to artificial cheerfulness and over-productivity. While they may offer temporary relief, they ultimately keep the underlying issues unaddressed.
Outside Help
Healing from trauma is not something you have to do alone, nor is it something that should be attempted without the right support. Just as a severe physical wound requires professional medical care, deep emotional wounds often require the expertise of mental health professionals. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate the complexities of your trauma, providing a safe and supportive environment to explore and address your pain.
Professional help can offer several benefits:
Accurate Diagnosis: A therapist can help identify specific traumas and the impact they have on your mental health, allowing for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
Personalized Treatment: Professional therapy provides personalized strategies and coping mechanisms tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that you receive the care that best fits your needs.
Supportive Environment: In therapy, you have a non-judgmental space to express your feelings and experiences. This validation and understanding can be incredibly healing.
Effective Coping Strategies: Therapists can teach you healthier coping mechanisms and ways to process your trauma, moving you beyond just managing symptoms to genuinely healing.
Continued Support: Recovery from trauma is an ongoing process. Having a professional to guide and support you through this journey can make a significant difference in your progress.
Conclusion
Moving beyond coping with trauma is not a straightforward journey, but it is possible with the right support and strategies. Think of it as the diligent care required to heal an open wound. It won’t be easy or comfortable, but it can turn your life around if you’re willing to let it. If any of this has connected with you, you’re more than welcome to come sit by our fireplace and chat. We’d love to listen and hold hope for you while you work through the process. Your journey towards healing is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
