Fear Not: Don’t Let Trauma Hold You Back Anymore
Experiencing trauma isn’t something you have control over. It’s not your fault if you’ve been through traumatic experiences and now struggle with the long-term effects. However, trauma can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect your well-being and quality of life.
Many people go through trauma early in life, causing them to suffer the effects later in life. If trauma has been holding you back, then you aren’t living the life you deserve. It’s time to take back control and work on letting go of the hold trauma has on your life.
Here are some tips for feeling better so you can move on with your life.
Remind Yourself of Your Worth
Survivors of trauma often struggle with self-worth. If you don’t feel like you’re worthy of living a good life, then you’re letting trauma hold you back. Remember: you don’t need to do anything to be worthy. You deserve a good life no matter what has happened to you.
Some people with traumatic pasts blame themselves for what happened to them. But going through trauma is never your fault and you don’t have to feel guilty or blame yourself. Moving past these feelings and really seeing your own worth is important to healing from trauma.
Taking care of your own needs and mental health can ultimately become a type of resistance. By not letting trauma hold you back anymore, you will take the power away from whoever or whatever caused you pain.
Create Routines
People with traumatic pasts frequently struggle with anxiety. When you don’t know what’s going to happen on any given day, you are more likely to be afraid that something terrible will happen to you.
Creating routines can help people with trauma reduce their everyday anxiety and feel more secure. Find routines for different parts of your day, such as right after you get up, during your workday, your mealtimes, and right before you go to bed. It might take some experimentation to find what works for you but it could help you feel in control of your life.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
General health is important for everyone, but it’s even more important for people who are trying to leave trauma behind. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, and eating a healthy diet can all contribute to improved mood and mental health. As a bonus, your physical health should improve as well!
Learn Positive Coping Strategies
A completely stress-free life isn’t realistic, but you can learn how to use positive coping strategies when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help you calm down and feel more grounded when you experience issues like racing thoughts. Coping strategies are important for managing the ups and downs of life and it’s critical to choose positive, healthy strategies that work for you.
Find a Support Group
Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who understands. Whether online or in person, you should be able to find a support group of people who understand the trauma you’ve experienced, whether that’s sexual violence, emotional abuse, post-combat trauma, or any other experience that has had a lasting impact. A group of your peers can help you feel less isolated and more in control. They can also help you process what you’ve been through in a controlled setting.
See a Therapist
It’s not usually a good idea to try processing trauma on your own. Getting help from a trained professional is an important step in the healing process. Find a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and commit to seeing them regularly.
Trauma can be a major presence in your life, but it doesn’t have to be. You shouldn’t have to live in fear anymore. While it can be a slow and difficult process to heal from trauma, it’s well worth the effort. Prioritize your mental health and you’ll see how it changes your life!
