Living through emotional trauma is not an experience you can get over easily, as much as you would like to. The healing process from post-traumatic stress disorder will cause speed bumps and roadblocks, but it is so important to keep going.
When challenges arise, I want you to be prepared to handle them. In order to learn more about the difficulties that come up with healing, keep reading.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that is caused by living through a traumatic event. You can develop PTSD by either experiencing the event firsthand or witnessing it. To put it plainly, PTSD is the emotional state you are left in after going through something painful, and it leaves you feeling unsettled, unhappy, and perhaps even unsafe.
There is no right, or wrong answer for what can cause PTSD. The trigger event can be one singular event, such as a car crash or a series of events, like an emotionally toxic relationship. If you feel like you may have PTSD, continue on to recognize the signs.
Recognizing the signs of PTSD
Although PTSD can look different for everyone, there are a few common symptoms that you can easily recognize. Some typical signs of PTSD include:
Experiencing involuntary flashbacks of the traumatic event(s)
Being easily startled
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Feeling detached from the world around you
Participating in destructive behavior, such as excessive drinking
Challenges from healing
Once you begin down the path toward healing, you may encounter challenges. Instead of becoming discouraged and succumbing to your negative thoughts and feelings, you can work to be prepared for any setbacks you come upon. The following are some common challenges you may face.
Take your time to mourn
It may seem silly to take time to mourn the traumatic event you experienced. If you experienced relationship trauma, you may be wondering why you would want to mourn your abuser. If you lived through a traumatic accident, it may seem pointless to mourn what you lost.
This step is so easily overlooked and is crucial to overcoming your trauma. It allows you to come to terms with the event that you lived through. Even in a toxic relationship, you likely have some good memories of your partner. Once you have reconciled these differences, you can take the next steps toward healing.
Difficulty opening up
The aftermath of trauma may make you feel embarrassed about what you went through and how you are dealing with it. You may think it is easier to compartmentalize your emotions rather than going through the painful process of recounting your experience to others.
While it is completely normal to feel this way, talking about your trauma is the only way you can begin to loosen its grip on you. Speaking your PTSD into existence makes it real, but it also allows you to overcome it.
Drawing away from others
The bottom line is you need human connection. Recovering from trauma, especially relationship trauma, may make you wary of other people and their intentions. However, pushing through this discomfort and reconnecting with loved ones will make a huge difference in your healing journey. Having loved ones in your life will make you feel fulfilled and give you a renewed sense of purpose.
Remember, recovering is not linear. You may experience setbacks that may make you feel as if you will never be the person you once were. However, remember that you are not alone. Be gentle with yourself throughout this process. Feeling “normal” again will take time, but you can get there. I can be with you every step of the way. Contact me for a free phone consultation to get started on your healing journey.
For more information on trauma treatment, visit the link!