Coping with Trauma 

It is possible to get back to being you. A man named Viktor Frankl once said, “An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.”

Most everyone, over the course of their life, will encounter some form of trauma, whether it be a violent act, serious injury, sexual violation, or another shocking event.

Trauma can shatter your sense of security and cause you to feel helpless and leave you struggling with anxiety that will not go away.

In some cases, the trauma was experienced at a very young age. It may even be that you do not, or can not remember it, nevertheless, unresolved childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects. It can cause a sense of fear to carry over into adulthood, making it difficult to function normally.

At times, it may seem like you have got it under control. You are doing alright and do not even think about it anymore, but then something triggers you, and all the feelings come rushing back in full force. It is almost as if, whatever happened to you in the past is happening all over again right now!

Remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. Do not judge yourself by the way you think you should feel or behave, or what you have seen with others.

Here is a few tips when dealing with trauma:

1. Talking with a counselor takes a lot of courage and is a big step towards resolving these issues. There are therapies, such Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which have a proven track record in dealing with trauma, but talking to any mental health professional would be beneficial.

2. Get moving. Exercising for 30 minutes, or 3- 10 minute spurts releases endorphins into the body that affect mood, emotional stability, and actually help repair your nervous system.

3. Add mindfulness. Instead of dwelling on your thoughts or distracting yourself from them, really focus on your body as you exercise. Notice your breath and the sensations around you. If you are running, notice how your feet feel as they contact the ground.

These are a few of many things an individual can do to begin to cope with the effects of trauma.

One of our counselors will provide a safe place for you to share your thoughts and concerns. They will help you be in the present moment, equipping you to take charge of your life. If you are ready to take the steps needed to resolve these issues, set up an appointment now.