Trauma can take many forms. From the death of a loved one to the end of a long-term relationship, experiencing a sudden change in your life can lead to an array of physical, mental, and spiritual issues. Though it can seem like the pain will never go away, there are small steps you can take to begin the healing process. These suggestions are meant to help you restore your spirits and find a sense of internal balance once more.
Don’t Ignore the Pain
When life takes unexpected turns, many people try to carry on as if nothing has happened. While ignoring anguish may seem like it helps you focus on your daily routine, it also creates more substantial problems below the surface. To begin healing, you must first acknowledge whatever it is you are going through. It may be difficult, but you need to sit with your feelings and allow them to manifest in a natural way. The discomfort you experience at first will become more manageable as time moves forward.
Practice Patience
No one likes to feel negative emotions for prolonged periods. Unfortunately, healing after a traumatic event is not a fast or straightforward process. One day you may feel on top of the world; the next you could feel lower than you have ever felt. To stay on track, it is important to practice patience. Understand that this is not a linear path and that there will be countless ups and downs in the weeks, months, and even years to follow. However, keep in mind that things will one day get easier and less taxing.
Reach Out
During times of grief or stress, you may find that you are isolating yourself from the people who care about you. This is a natural response to trauma, though it is far from helpful. When you’re going through a challenging time, you need to lean on your loved ones. It may be difficult at first, but spending time with friends and family members will start to lift your spirits and remind you of who you are within. Even an action as simple as a phone call can start to change your mental state and imbue you with positive motivation.
Remember Your Passions
If you feel depressed, you may lose interest in the hobbies or activities that once brought you joy. Though it may take time, it is important to reconnect with your interests to feel whole again. Don’t force yourself to fully jump back into your passions. Instead, take small steps to reacquaint yourself with what you love. If you used to play intramural sports with a local group, get back into the groove by first practicing by yourself or with one other person. As you feel comfortable, get more involved until you feel connected to your interests once again.
Show Yourself Love
A bad mental state makes it easy to be harder on yourself. You may feel like you should be healing at a faster pace or that the traumatic events you went through are “no big deal.” To begin healing, however, you need to show yourself love. Learn to be kind to yourself, especially on days that seem more difficult to manage. Try to engage with actions that lift your spirits, like taking a long walk in nature, listening to music, or journaling. To get through this period, you need to be your biggest supporter.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to healing after trauma, there are many small steps you can take to start the process. Learn what works for you, and put together a daily strategy that makes this challenging time less of a burden.