Some people power through it. Others let 'time' do its work until they eventually feel better. But there are many people who find recovering from emotional trauma difficult – even impossible.
The reason for this emotional trauma can be many, including a breakup, death of a loved one, sexual assault, abuse, accident, surgery, bullying, discrimination, and more.
In any case, whatever the reason is, here are 11 tips that can help you recover from emotional trauma:
1. Talk about what happened
The first thing you need to do when recovering from emotional trauma is talk about what happened with someone who cares about you. This person could be a close friend or family member who has helped you through tough times in the past or someone new who is willing to listen without judgment. It's important that this person understands how difficult this incident was for you so they don't dismiss any part of your story as insignificant or irrelevant.
2. Get support from others
You can find comfort in being around people who understand what you're going through. Talking to others with similar experiences can help you feel less alone. If you don't know anyone, consider joining a support group. Look out for counseling and support services.
3. Accept your feelings
You need to know that it's OK to feel angry, sad, and lonely — even if it's not acceptable to act on those feelings in public. You can work through your emotions by expressing them and letting them out of your system.
4. Release negative thoughts
Negative thoughts can be a major cause of emotional trauma, so it's important to be aware of them. Before you do anything else, try to identify what kind of thinking is causing your emotional pain and find strategies to eliminate it.
5. Breathe deeply
When we are in an emotional state that causes us distress, our breathing changes. The body's response is to slow down the breathing rate so that oxygen levels are maintained at a more normal level — this helps us relax and stay calm. This is why many therapists recommend deep breathing as part of their treatment plan for people suffering from trauma — it helps them calm down from the initial shock of being exposed to something distressing or overwhelming. Deep breathing also helps oxygenate the blood flow throughout your body so that you feel better overall after experiencing an upsetting event or situation.
6. Engage in activities that make you feel better
One of the first things to do if you're feeling overwhelmed by your emotions is to take some time out from what's stressing you out. If you're feeling stressed, engage in activities that make you happy. This could be something as simple as going for a walk or doing some yoga, as long as it's something that will help you relax.
7. Learn ways to cope with stress, anxiety
If you're finding it difficult to cope with your emotions, learning new ways of coping with stress and anxiety is one of the best ways of dealing with them. This can include learning more about yourself through therapy or counseling, being open about your feelings with friends and family members, and taking time out for yourself away from work or other responsibilities.
8. Don't Forget to Look After Yourself
When life gets tough, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Are you catching enough Z's? Are you fueling your body with good food? And hey, what about doing things that make your heart happy? It could be something as simple as a cozy bath, a captivating book, or binge-watching your favorite TV series. These moments of self-care aren't just indulgences; they're crucial for your well-being and recovery.
9. Move Your Body, Lift Your Mood
Guess what? Exercise can actually make you feel awesome! It unleashes those feel-good hormones called endorphins. So, how do you like to get your body moving? A brisk stroll in the park, a yoga session, or maybe grooving to your jam? Regular physical activity can help you tame your emotions and lift your mood like nothing else.
10. Pour Your Heart Out on Paper
Have you ever tried pouring your feelings onto paper? It's like therapy in disguise. A journal is a safe haven where you can spill all your thoughts and emotions without worrying about being judged. As you jot down your experiences and feelings, you might discover some patterns or triggers that can be incredibly helpful on your healing journey.
11. Seek counseling
In order to recover from emotional trauma effectively, you should ideally seek professional help. This can be done through therapy or counseling. Your counselor will help you to understand the root causes of your emotional pain and they will guide you in how to cope with them. They will also help you learn how to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. Find the best psychological counseling online.
Final words
When we experience emotional trauma, it can have a negative effect on our lives and relationships. It can cause depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health issues like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
So, if you're struggling with any emotional trauma, be proactive in recovery. Take definite measures to ensure you don't dwell for longer and that you get back on the right track wherein you're in a healthy mental state.