Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible and unfortunate event. The impact of trauma can have a profound effect on the survivor’s mental and emotional health. It can also cause distressing physical symptoms or strain their relationships. Healing takes time and sometimes, you may carry unhealed wounds. It’s important to be aware of your healing process and accept it. Unhealed trauma can manifest in many different ways, including physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Recognizing and addressing them is important to getting on the road to recovery.
Signs you haven’t recovered from trauma
Signs that a person has not healed from a wound include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling overwhelmed and having suicidal thoughts: Feeling overwhelmed and having suicidal thoughts can be signs of unresolved trauma. You may struggle to cope with challenges and problems, and find yourself alone and hopeless. Such feelings can also worsen suicidal thoughts.
- Struggling with historical data: If you haven’t healed, you may have difficulty revisiting past events or triggers that remind you of that traumatic event. While you should not rush into exposure to these triggers, it is important that you work on your inner healing so that the triggers do not increase symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, internalized anger, resentment, and other negative symptoms and behaviors. .
- Low opinion of yourself: While every traumatic event and experience may be unique, most trauma lowers our self-esteem. Studies have shown that if you have PTSD, you are more likely to have very low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
- See change as scary: Change is scary for most of us. However, for those struggling with past trauma, change can be 10 times more difficult. Trauma can affect your ability to trust others and experience life in a positive way. High levels of uncertainty, lack of confidence, and a sense of security can leave you scared and overwhelmed with even small changes in your life.
Tips for dealing with unresolved trauma
- Don’t isolate yourself: When dealing with trauma, you may feel like no one understands you and you may end up pushing your loved ones away. However, it’s important to stay connected to those who love and care about you. Isolation can worsen your symptoms. On the other hand, talking about the traumatic event can help you heal.
- See a professional therapist: It can be difficult to deal with a traumatic event on your own, even if you have a full circle of supportive friends and family. It’s best to seek out a mental health professional to help you heal safely and relatively smoothly.
- Stay away from alcohol: You may want to drink alcohol to escape anxiety or help you sleep. However, you may eventually become dependent on alcohol, which will only make your mental and physical health worse.
Signs you’re worried and should see a therapist
- Meditation: Sitting with your own thoughts can be difficult, but meditation can be a powerful tool to heal your mental scars from within. If your thoughts are too overwhelming, you can practice guided meditation under professional supervision. Consult your therapist about how to practice meditation according to your individual circumstances.
