Does Trauma Hold You Back?

There are many types of trauma one might experience in their lives, including the death of a loved one or being involved in a severe accident. Experiencing military combat, a life-threatening illness, or an assault can also result in severe trauma. However, causes of trauma aren’t always physical – childhood neglect and bullying can also result in it. 

When you have been through a traumatic experience, it can be hard to unpack precisely how you feel. You might find yourself always full of fear or may even feel hopeless at times. No matter what type of trauma you may have experienced, it can significantly affect your life. However, there are ways that you can combat it. You don’t have to let your trauma rule your life. 

Sharing Your Trauma

Talking about your past trauma is a great way to relieve some of your stress as it keeps you from bottling up your emotions. It is crucial that you share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted loved one, someone that you are confident will not judge you. 

While talking about your trauma with trusted loved ones can be a great help, it is essential to wait until you’re ready. Even if you aren’t prepared to talk about your trauma, try and be around people you love. Humans are social animals and need a connection to others, so try and maintain relationships with inspiring and supportive ones. 

Therapy

Sometimes, people find that a particular therapist doesn’t understand their needs, which ultimately puts them off from therapy. However, it is vital to recognize that not every therapist and patient will be perfectly matched every time. If you don’t feel yourself getting the help you need from one therapist, then try another. 

You might be worrying that you can’t afford therapy. While some therapists are quite expensive, there are low-cost to free options. For example, if you are a university student, then chances are your school offers some sort of free counseling service. Many therapists also take all forms of insurance so that you might be covered for your sessions.

Group therapy is another excellent option for those looking to save some money and talk to others. Do some research in your area and see if there are any groups related to trauma. Many people find that talking to others who’ve had similar experiences significantly helps. 

Online therapy has become increasingly popular over the last few years and can be quite affordable. Many websites allow you to get connected online with a licensed therapist. However, it is crucial that you heavily research the online company which you plan on using. 

Mediation 

When dealing with trauma, it is a good idea to use every tool offered to you. Anxiety and depression are both symptoms of past trauma and can be combated with medication. However, it is important not to self-medicate. Find a physician or psychiatrist that can listen to your symptoms and help determine the best medicine. It’s worth noting that medication won’t work right away in many cases. 

You might even find that medication doesn’t work the way you want or has negative side-effects. Don’t fret and don’t give up – there are plenty of medications out there. If one doesn’t work, tell your doctor, and they may try something different. 

Exercise

Exercise is a great tool that can help alleviate symptoms of trauma. Getting your endorphins going with a slight jog can help repair your nervous system and better your mood.

It is recommended that everyone do at least half-an-hour of exercise on most days of the week, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t manage this. Start at your own pace so that you don’t end up quitting. 

There are many ways to get the exercise needed without doing workouts that involve jogging and weight-lifting. For example, you could take a dance class and get your exercise while learning a new skill. Getting outside and playing a sport like basketball or tennis is a great way to exercise while spending time with others. Most areas offer open clubs and groups for exercise activities that you may consider joining. 

Meditation

Many of those that have experienced trauma find solace by practicing meditation. Meditation involves practicing mindful breathing, which can help lower stress levels. Any type of deep-breathing exercise can be helpful in this way, including yoga. 

There are many podcasts and videos online that can help you get started with meditation. Many are only a few minutes long, making meditation accessible to try. 

Trauma can seem impossible to combat, especially when you are experiencing intense anxiety and depression as a result. However, there are plenty of ways to understand and deal with your trauma, including medication and therapy. If you are experiencing trauma from a past addiction or began an addiction due to trauma, consider starting treatment at Choice House. Located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, Choice House focuses on using the outdoors to help treat addiction. We offer plenty of programs that involve activities like hiking, skiing, climbing, and more. Choice House also offers therapy from licensed professionals who can help you every step of the way during your recovery. Choice House’s sober living facility provides impressive views and is just a short drive away from some of Boulder’s most popular outdoor spots. At Choice House, we allow you to focus on yourself and recover in the best way. Our community is full of great people who will inspire you along the way. Learn more about Choice House by calling (720) 577-4422 today.