A Guide for Processing Trauma

The human body is resilient. It can adapt to the environment, recover from injury, weather the storm of stress, and heal from any damages. 

The brain can be even more fascinating. Much like the body, it is able to react and adapt to stress, different areas of the brain operate in a carefully balanced song and dance to meet needs in the blink of an eye, and it manages emotions and memories.

When a trauma occurs, both your body and mind can be significantly impacted in the time after. They both remember the events of the experience and harbor feelings and emotions tied to it. Symptoms experienced can be manifestations of buried or subconscious memories. 

Left unresolved, your trauma can begin to take its toll on your well-being. Here is a guide to start processing your trauma.

What Is the Impact of Trauma?

Holding on to the memories of an unresolved trauma can send you on a ride of negativity. You may find yourself holding negative beliefs about yourself. During periods of stress, you may become triggered, resulting in negative behaviors or reactions. 

These buried emotions and pent up stress may feel like it’s manageable, but anyone can only hold out so long before their quality of life suffers. 

Why the Delay in Processing?

During a traumatic event, your body and mind are working overtime in survival mode to carry you through. In the moment, you’re under a great deal of stress. The only thing that your system is worried about is whether to fight, flee, freeze, or utilize one of the other responses. 

By the time you get back around to reflect on the situation, there can be a number of barriers making that difficult. The stars need to be aligned for the healing process to begin.

How Trauma Manifests

A common way trauma manifests is through negative thoughts, like believing you’re broken or no good. Trauma can make you feel unsafe and on guard. Depression and anxiety can be triggered with little reminders of the event.

In some instances, you may experience sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts, or PTSD. The body carrying trauma can lead to physical ailments, chronic illnesses, or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

How to Start Processing Trauma

Admitting to yourself that you need help is a first step and a difficult one. As is asking for the help you want and need. 

Recognizing Trauma

Evaluate your current situation. What challenges are you having? What symptoms are a common occurrence? Are you having difficulty sleeping or being able to relax? Do you feel negatively about yourself or feel like an emotional mess? Do you feel under the weather or sick frequently?

Acceptance of Your Event

Your mind aims to protect you. When you live through a significantly negative situation, it’s normal to push everything associated with it down deep. Acknowledge and accept what has happened to you. In doing either of these things, it does not mean that you’re admitting any fault.

Self-Help Strategies to Aide the Process

While traveling on this journey, it’s important that you do things that fuel your mind and body in a positive way. Incorporating a steady self-care routine is a great routine to get into. 

Explore activities that bring you joy and can provide comfort and relaxation. Engage in physical activity that gives you a natural mood boost while also providing a distraction. Be sure to get the appropriate amount and quality of sleep each night. Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.

It will be equally important to lean on your support system or create one that serves your needs.

Exploring Professional Help

Navigating through your trauma on your own isn’t always easy and may not be the most effective. Professional counseling is a great resource for learning how to process your trauma. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring counseling for trauma recovery, contact me today.