Healthy Ways for Processing Trauma

It’s said that nearly 70% of Americans have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. Trauma can touch anyone, regardless of background, financial status, or age. For those processing traumas alone, the result can often be an overwhelming sense of helplessness that is crippling and, if left untreated, dangerous. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of struggling to cope with trauma, don’t hesitate to contact us online today or call 877.920.6583 to learn how trauma therapy at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can help.

Common Traumatic Experiences

People suffer a variety of traumas brought on by different experiences at different stages of their lives. Some of the common traumatic experiences that require healing include:

• Sexual Abuse or Assault
• Physical Abuse or Assault
• Emotional Abuse
• Neglect
• Serious Accident or Illness
• Witnessing Domestic Violence
• School Violence
• Natural or Manmade Disasters
• Forced Displacement
• War, Terrorism or Political Violence
• Traumatic Grief or Separation
• System-Induced Trauma

As varied as the types of traumatic experiences are, the same goes for the physical and mental symptoms that accompany processing trauma. These symptoms could include:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Relationship difficulty
• Struggle with communication
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness

Healthy Ways for Processing Trauma

If you’re struggling with trauma, know that you are not powerless, nor are you alone. Healing from trauma is possible, and you can do things in and out of trauma therapy to help ease the pain. Here are some key things to remember while processing trauma in a healthy way.

Recovery is a Process

Healing from trauma will look different for everyone. During this healing process, it could be a lessening of symptoms or coming to understand that you are now safe. Trauma therapy will help you learn how to handle challenging memories and difficult moments while processing complicated feelings due to your trauma. Processing trauma is a journey, not a destination, so be patient with yourself as you heal.

Avoid Re-Exposure to the Traumatic Event

Re-exposure isn’t limited to physically going back to the place where the trauma occurred. It also includes replaying the experiences in your mind. This can trigger your nervous system and activate your fight or flight instinct. It is possible that, depending on your traumatic experience, some images flashing across the screen during the news or being shared on social media could take you back to that dark place. Limit how likely you are to encounter such things.

Feel Whatever You Need to Feel

Try not to push away or bury difficult emotions. While it can be tempting not to feel those things, you must allow yourself to feel whatever you need to feel while healing from trauma. It’s okay and even necessary to allow yourself the space to process these emotions.

Ask for Help and Support

Building a network of understanding, patient, and supportive people is one of the healthiest ways for processing trauma. When you need help and support, they will have your back, so do not hesitate to call on these people in difficult times. One of the ways to do so is through group therapy.

Relax and Distract

One of the healthy ways for processing trauma is to find ways to relax and distract. Taking time to unwind, destress and turn off your mind can be essential for healing from trauma. Relaxation and healthy distractions could take many shapes, including:

• Exercise
• Bird-watching
• Doing puzzles
• Yoga
• Gardening
• Playing or listening to music
• Watching movies
• Meditation
• Cooking
• Reading books

Find Your Community

Realizing you are not alone is one of the healthiest ways to process and heal from trauma. Finding a community of people who get what you feel and understand what you have experienced will help you take a positive step towards coping, feeling positive, and healing.

Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Learn how trauma therapy at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can be the starting point for healing from the trauma you have experienced. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583 today