Since I was a little girl, I have been through a lot of traumatic experiences. I lost my father to cancer when I was very young, and my mother passed away not long after. As if that wasn’t bad enough, soon after my mother’s death I was sexually abused by someone close to me. Needless to say, these experiences have had a profound impact on my life. In this article, I want to share my story and offer some tips on how to survive and thrive after trauma.
It’s been many years since I experienced the trauma of my childhood, but the pain still lingers. The memories are like a shadow that follows me around, always lurking in the background. At times it feels like the trauma is all I am capable of thinking about. It’s hard to describe the way that trauma can take over your life, but it’s as if it becomes your identity.
Despite all of this, I have managed to find some degree of happiness in my life. I am not saying that it has been easy – it hasn’t. But I have learned a few things along the way that have helped me to cope.
Jonah Engler gives some of tips for surviving and thriving after trauma:
1. Find someone to talk to
One of the best things you can do is find someone to talk to about your experiences. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or any other type of support system. Talking openly about what you have been through can be very therapeutic, and it can also help you to process these experiences.
2. Express your emotions
It is also important to express your emotions in a healthy way. This could involve writing in a journal, painting, drawing, or doing any other activity that allows you to express yourself freely. It is often said that “the unexpressed emotion will never die” and this is certainly true for trauma. By expressing your emotions, you are helping to release the negative energy that is often associated with trauma.
3. Get moving
Another great way to deal with trauma is to get moving. This could involve going for a walk, running, doing yoga, or any other type of exercise. Exercise is a great way to release tension and stress, and it can also help to boost your mood.
4. Find something positive to focus on
Finally, it is important to find something positive to focus on in your life. This could be a hobby, a passion, or anything else that makes you happy. When you have something positive to focus on, it can help you to get through difficult times.
5. Seek professional help
If you are struggling to cope with the trauma of your past, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This could involve talking to a therapist or counselor, who can help you to deal with the emotional impact of trauma.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends or family. They may not be able to solve all of your problems, but they can offer support and understanding.
7. Don’t try to do it alone
Above all, remember that you are not alone. There are many people out there who understand what you are going through, and who are willing to help.
8. Be patient with yourself
Finally, be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal after trauma. Remember that you are on a journey, and there is no set timetable for healing.
These are just some of the things that have helped me to cope with the trauma of my past. I hope that they can be of some help to you as well.
Conclusion:
Jonah Engler Silberman concludes, the trauma of childhood can have a profound impact on our lives. However, it is possible to survive and thrive after trauma. There are many things that can help, such as talking to someone about your experiences, expressing your emotions, getting moving, and finding something positive to focus on. If you are struggling to cope, it may be helpful to seek professional help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends or family – they can offer support and understanding. Remember that you are not alone.