It is possible for us to suffer from the effects of emotional trauma in a variety of ways, including psychologically, emotionally, and even physically. While it may take some time and effort, it is possible to heal and triumph over traumatic experiences. Coping with them is not always a simple task. If you have been through a terrible experience and have experienced emotional trauma, you may be asking how you may determine when you have truly healed from whatever emotional trauma you may have endured. Despite the fact that mending may be a process, there are ways to determine whether or not you are making progress. Carry on reading to acquire an understanding of the nature of emotional trauma and the indications that you are making progress towards healing.
How can one define emotional trauma?
When an individual is left feeling helpless, scared, nervous, and unsafe as a result of a stressful event or experiences, emotional trauma is often the condition that follows. A single traumatic experience or a series of traumatic experiences that occur over an extended period of time can both result in emotional trauma. Emotional trauma and physical trauma are not mutually exclusive, which means that it is possible to experience emotional trauma even in the absence of physical trauma. This is because an individual can suffer emotional trauma after an event that causes bodily injury or harm.
In addition to experiencing emotional symptoms, people who have been through traumatic experiences may also experience physical symptoms, such as having nightmares, having trouble sleeping, feeling tired, or having muscle knots and aches. A person's ability to understand and deal with future problems may be altered as a result of emotional trauma, making it challenging for them to recover from the effects of the trauma. Finding means to overcome it and heal from situations that are overpowering or painful is, however, something that is doable.
Five signals that you are on the path to recovery from emotional trauma are as follows:
You should refrain from ruminating.
Individuals that engage in ruminating frequently find themselves mired in unpleasant thought processes that become repetitious. When a person goes through a horrific experience, they may find themselves remembering it over and over again in their minds, experiencing the agony each time they think about it. The majority of people are guilty of ruminating at some point in their lives; nevertheless, this behaviour may be extremely detrimental to your mental health because it prevents you from moving forward towards any emotions of resolution and may even make your emotional distress much more severe.
If, after experiencing a traumatic experience, you discover that you are no longer dwelling on what took place and that you are able to go on with your life, this could be a positive indication that you are beginning to overcome the difficulties you have been facing and are finally beginning to recover. It is possible that there are ways that could be of assistance to you if you continue to find that you are continually thinking about what occurred and the trauma that you went through without ever coming to a conclusion about it.
It is important to steer clear of triggers, as certain people may identify particular elements that may cause them to engage in ruminative behaviour. You might find that reducing your exposure to these triggers is helpful in putting an end to your ruminating.
You may find that writing down your thoughts in a notebook is really beneficial if you feel as though your mind is constantly going over the traumatic experience that you have been through. Keeping a journal may provide you with the opportunity to articulate your ideas and emotions, identify any negative thought patterns that you may have, and even assist you in better comprehending what transpired and arriving at a solutions to the problem.
Move your body – One of the most useful things you can do when your thoughts become overpowering is to get your body moving by engaging in some form of physical activity. A recent study demonstrates that even a single session of physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing behaviours associated with rumination. In addition to diverting your attention away from your thoughts, physical activity also increases the production of endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel good and can improve your mood as well as your mental health in general.
To meditate is to There are numerous benefits to one's mental health that have been demonstrated by frequent meditation practice. Additionally, it can be a useful method for learning to redirect any negative thoughts that you may have and to concentrate on the current moment. It can also minimise the symptoms of anxiety and sadness, enhance concentration, and improve concentration.
When our thoughts start to overwhelm us, it can be good to locate a healthy diversion so that we can return to the topic with a clear head. While it is necessary to deal with our feelings and not repress them, it is also helpful to find a healthy distraction as well. Try going for a walk, calling a loved one, or attempting a difficult puzzle if you discover that you are dwelling on an experience that you have had.
Secondly, you give yourself permission to experience feelings.
Denial is a common reaction that people have when they go through a painful experience. They may also try to find ways to minimise their feelings in order to avoid having to deal with their feelings or the events that transpired in their lives. It is possible that you may eventually start the healing process once you start to give yourself permission to experience a variety of feelings, such as those that you go through during the five stages of grief. When anything terrible occurs in your life, it is normal to experience feelings of sadness, anger, or confusion with your emotions. You may validate those feelings and possibly start to completely understand exactly what it is that you are experiencing if you give yourself permission to experience those feelings thoroughly.
3. You start living your life with a greater awareness
It is possible for a person to try to find ways to divert themselves and numb their pain when they are going through an unpleasant experience. Alternatively, they may discover that they are continually thinking about what occurred rather than being present in the time. You may discover that you are able to find healthier ways to cope with the obstacles and adversities that life presents to you by simply being present once you begin living more deliberately and with intention. In order to overcome your experience in a healthy manner, it is essential to give yourself the time and space to learn how to cope with it. The practice of walking in nature, meditating, doing yoga, or simply performing chores that are part of daily life carefully are all effective strategies to increase one's level of mindfulness.
4. You have come to terms with what has transpired.
When it comes to the healing process, acceptance is a component that is not only essential but also exceedingly significant. When you learn to accept what has happened to you, it does not mean that it did not occur or that it was not a scary experience. The ability to find calm in a difficult circumstance is facilitated by the acquisition of the skill of finding acceptance. You are able to demonstrate compassion for yourself and ultimately go on with your life when you finally accept what has occurred for what it is. This acknowledgement means that you are acknowledging the portions that are uncomfortable.
5. When you need assistance, you ask for it.
People who are going through emotional trauma might benefit tremendously from having a trustworthy support system. People who have been through a traumatic or painful experience may, however, develop unhealthy coping techniques such as withdrawing from people who are close to them or putting up a guard and not allowing people into their emotional inner world. This may be a common occurrence. When you eventually start to heal from the emotional trauma you've experienced, you may finally start to let people in and share your feelings and emotions with them. It is also possible that you will start to comprehend what your genuine desires and requirements are, and that you will eventually start to seek assistance from fellow individuals. It is essential to keep in mind that approaching someone for assistance when you are in need of it is not a sign of weakness. Reaching out for support from a reliable friend or a trained expert can be of great assistance in facilitating your recovery from emotional trauma.
