Do you think “that accident” has taken over your life? You are not alone. Trauma can leave several open scars on your mental, emotional, and physical health. It doesn’t matter what the incident was… every type, every kind of trauma can wreak havoc in your life.

However, don’t even think of giving up fighting! We, MIHH, have helpful answers to your questions and worries.

You will know: What are the reasons for trauma? Can you manage it? What are its treatment methods? In this blog post.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is your emotional reaction to a very disturbing event or events that made you feel extremely insecure… to the point of breaking down.

Psychologically: Trauma can make you a patient of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They are the symptoms of the bigger disorder, i.e. your trauma.

Neuroscientifically: Your trauma can change your brain’s structure and function. Your amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex change the most because those areas deal with emotions, behaviours, and decision-making. It might make you more fearful and more forgetful. You may burst out crying more, too.

Importance of Healing and Thriving Post-Trauma

You must learn to manage your trauma if you want to move on with living a better life. You will not only live better… you will grow in your relationships at work and family and friends.

Types of trauma

Trauma can show in different ways. It might be: 

• A single disturbing event 

• Chronic trauma because you stayed in toxic surroundings for too long 

• Multiple traumas

Common causes and sources of trauma

The causes may be:

• Accidents

• Natural disasters

• Violence

• Abuse

• Loss

• Significant life changes

Impact of trauma on mental, emotional, and physical well-being:

Trauma can disturb your brain’s normal functioning. It can develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse. You can also have some physical symptoms, i.e. insomnia, headaches, and chronic pain. These symptoms can affect your interpersonal relationships and quality of life.

10 Strategies That Can Help To Thrive After Trauma

Trauma recovery needs patience, self-compassion, and you must be willing to try different strategies that work best for you.

Here are ten strategies that can help you on your path to healing:

Get Professional Help

You can book therapy or counselling with a trained mental health professional, i.e. MIHH. They must specialise in trauma. They can support you, hold your hand through the process, and tell you about more methods to help you rethink and resolve your negative behaviours.

Build a Support System

You must find super supportive friends, family members, and support groups. These relationships might comfort you and give you courage to face triggering situations.

Practice Self-Care

You can take up hobbies that improve your physical, emotional, and mental health altogether. You can try exercise, meditation, journaling, spending more time in nature, or collecting rare stamps… anything that keeps you distracted.

Set Boundaries

You must work out strict boundaries so you can be in as less triggering situations as possible. You may even have to set boundaries with your family, friends, or colleagues. This will protect your emotional and mental health.

Educate Yourself

Take the time to learn about trauma, its effects on the mind and body, and common coping strategies. Understanding your experiences can empower you to make informed decisions about your healing journey.

Express Yourself

Find healthy outlets for expressing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This could involve creative activities such as writing, art, music, or dance.

Practice Mindfulness

Cultivate mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce anxiety.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Notice and challenge negative or distorted thoughts related to your trauma. Replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives.

Engage in Meaningful Activities

Identify activities or pursuits that bring you joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose. Engaging in meaningful activities can foster resilience and help you rebuild your life after trauma.

Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognise your resilience and strength as you continue to heal and grow.

Different Types of Therapy and Treatment Options

There are various types of therapy and treatment options available to address a wide range of mental health concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practised and evidence-based approach that identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviours.

In trauma therapy, CBT helps you to understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and how your traumatic experiences influence these elements.

Techniques used in CBT for trauma include cognitive restructuring, which involves challenging and reframing distorted thoughts. This process helps reduce fear and avoidance behaviours, promoting recovery and resilience.

CBT is particularly effective for treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, providing you with practical tools to manage your symptoms and improve your mental health. It can help you to handle your trauma. You can restore your inner peace and control if it is included in a hypnotherapy program.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness-based therapies, i.e. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), include mindfulness practices into your therapy.

These therapies can make you stay in the present more instead of always thinking about the past. You can become more accepting of situations and people. Also, you may be more aware about your thoughts, emotions, and bodily symptoms.

Mindfulness-based therapies can allow you to reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, it can improve your general well-being, too.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR can help you manage your PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

Your therapist teaches you to link negative thoughts with eye movements, tapping, or auditory stimulations. You can revisit your trauma while doing those movements, and dispel them.

EMDR can help you recognise and resolve your traumatic memories. It can reduce your emotional charge and associated symptoms.

Family Therapy

Family therapy works with families and couples to help them better their communication. You may learn to resolve arguments and develop stronger bonds with your loved ones.

This therapy also helps you revisit your family dynamics. It also tells you how your personal problems can  affect your entire family system.

Family therapy can be helpful to resolve parent-child relations, marital disturbances, or substance abuse.

These are just a few examples of therapy and treatment options available. It’s essential to work with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most appropriate approach based on your specific needs and circumstances.

In a Nutshell

You may have to walk a long way to recover from your trauma. However, you can get a lot of help along the way. You must remain patient and compassionate with yourself while you recover. You are stronger and more resilient than you realise, and with the right support and strategies, you can overcome the effects of trauma and thrive in the face of adversity.

Let Make It Happen Hypnotherapy (MIHH) be your guide on the path to healing and transformation.

Together, we can make it happen.