Persistent Pain To Power
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds” - Laurell K. Hamilton. Trauma is exhausting. The reasons for trauma can be layered and complex. Trauma is an emotional toll on an individual due to experiences like an accident, sexual abuse, natural disaster, bullying, loss of loved ones, terrorism or sex trafficking. The event can cause emotional instability, horrifying flashbacks, shock and even denial of the event.
An individual experiencing trauma can feel a roller coaster of emotions. They may feel inferior, petrified, overwhelming, impotent or even have trouble in processing the event. Not every individual who encounters a taxing event develops trauma. Some people develop short- term symptoms that disappear after a few weeks, while others have long lasting effects. If the trauma remains unaddressed and the symptoms persist, it indicates that the trauma has developed into a psychological disorder called post- traumatic stress disorder. The three major types of trauma are- Acute trauma, Chronic trauma and Complex trauma. A disturbing or threatening event results in Acute trauma. Chronic trauma is a consequence of repetitive and elongated exposure of catastrophic events. Complex trauma is an accumulation of exposure to multiple traumatic episodes. Vicarious trauma is another form of trauma which can occur where a person develops stressful symptoms from a close relationship with someone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic episode. A traumatic event can change a person completely from what they’ve been all this while. It changes an individual's perception towards the world, their way of dealing with emotional breakdowns and horrifying nightmares where a person relives the disturbing event in their mind. The emotional outburst can also cause deterioration of physical health like frequent headaches, fatigue and sweating. Trauma can also result in other psychological issues like anxiety, depression and substance abuse problems.
If the trauma is left unaddressed, one can experience ill temper, insomnia, panic attacks or phobias. The symptoms will persist if the trauma is not addressed. Therapy and emotional support are the two pillars which can help an individual overcome trauma. There are events which may occur each day which pile together as a traumatic memory. Even the smallest incidents can mentally drain an individual. Unaddressed trauma will further lead to social, emotional and psychological problems. When an individual envisions an event as disturbing or overwhelming they should prefer seeking help from a therapist.
Unaddressed trauma limits our today and ruminates an individual around their past. Being more vocal about the traumatic event lightens the burden of an individual and helps one move forward from the past. It is important to let yourself be at ease when you witness or experience a stressful event. Many times people who feel worthless keep repeating negative and harsh words like “you’re a failure” about themselves which is where they have to start working on themselves. Now that you find a new way to replace those thoughts, you should rediscover ways to treat yourself and be positive. Affirmations help you manifest all the positive energy and thoughts that you’ve envisioned for yourself. Don’t blame yourself for the stressful event that occurred. Get rid of the feeling of guilt which sets boundaries for you. Ask yourself the question, “What sets me free?” Everyone should have a creative outcome. Or maybe it’s going to the movies, dancing, painting, going out for a walk with your pet. Do the activities that bring joy to your spirit. Set your own goals for your personal growth everyday. You have to learn to let go and move on in life to achieve better. Looking at the brighter side, how strong you have come out of the disturbing event that shook the basics of your life.
My journey of healing has taught me that there is so much more to life than just thinking about that one incident for which you give up on everything in life. I was disturbed and couldn’t process the fact that something so terrible could happen to me. I spent days sleeping in my bed and doing nothing. But then one day I decided to not let it dominate my life. I decided to work on myself and do the things that I enjoy. I decided to let go and move ahead in life. By each passing day I got better. It made me passionate and stronger about my goals in life. Allow your past to serve as a source of fuel for your future.
About The Author
Jhil Karia, Member of the PsyCreative Column
Psychology Committee, SDSOS, NMIMS
Jhil Karia is a student of B.Sc. in Applied Psychology at NMIMS University. She’s a dancer who has just discovered her interest in writing. She has learnt classical dance (Kathak) for 7 years. She represented her school for many competitions and has won several certificates. She has learnt Skating, Gymnastics, Abacus, Vedic Math and Basketball while growing up. She has represented her school for the above as well. She is an English Language tutor for younger children. She enjoys traveling and shooting small vlogging clips for fun.
Image Source: iStock, Unsplash.
Loved this❤️💯
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