9 Signs You Have Unhealed Trauma and some strategies to help you heal
Trauma often results from overwhelming stress that exceeds one's ability to cope. Events such as the death of a loved one, the end of a meaningful relationship, or the rejection of a loved one can trigger this stress. Pretending everything is fine when it isn't can lead to repressing negative emotions. Recognizing unresolved trauma within ourselves can be challenging. Here are nine signs that indicate you might still be suffering from unhealed trauma and some strategies to help you heal.
Resisting Positive Change:
Do you feel suspicious when something good comes into your life? Do you experience shame or guilt when you grow attached to someone or celebrate your own success? This resistance to positive change might be a sign of unresolved trauma. You may have a hard time accepting positive change and even try to resist it because deep down, you feel undeserving of happiness. Acknowledging this feeling is the first step toward healing. Allow yourself to embrace good things and practice self-compassion.
Needing to Plan Everything:
Do you have an overwhelming need to stay in control? Feeling frustrated and lost when things don't go as planned can be rooted in a traumatic experience that left you feeling helpless. This need for control indicates a deep-seated distrust in yourself and the world. To address this, try to gradually let go of the need to micromanage everything. Start with small steps, like allowing minor deviations from your plan and reassuring yourself that it's okay.
Fear of Failure:
While a fear of failure is normal, an excessive fear can hinder your motivation to succeed. It can stifle creativity and ambition, leading to perfectionism and insecurity. This strong fear of failure often stems from unresolved trauma, causing you to internalize your shortcomings. To overcome this, challenge your negative beliefs about yourself. Celebrate small victories and understand that failure is a natural part of growth and learning.
Fear of Success:
Conversely, unresolved trauma can manifest as a fear of success. Have you ever held yourself back from achieving something because you feared what would happen once you attained it? This fear of losing what you have even before you achieve it can lead to self-sabotage. Acknowledge this pattern and work on building confidence in your ability to handle success. Visualize positive outcomes and remind yourself that you deserve to achieve your goals.
Difficulty Concentrating:
Trauma can cause significant psychological effects, including difficulty concentrating. If you experience memory gaps, blackouts, or trouble maintaining your train of thought, it might be your mind signaling the need to address your trauma. Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises to help focus your mind. Consider seeking professional help to process and work through your traumatic experiences.
Trouble Asking for Help:
Do you struggle to open up to others about your experiences? Those who have faced abuse or mistreatment often find it hard to ask for help. The fear of rejection, judgment, or being seen as weak can keep you silent. It's important to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals. They can provide the support and understanding you need.
Hurting Yourself or Others:
Lashing out at others or pushing loved ones away during intense emotions can be a sign of unhealed trauma. You might become emotionally volatile, out of control, and overly sensitive, leading to actions like breaking things or self-harm. Recognize these behaviors and seek healthier ways to manage your emotions. Practices like journaling, exercising, or engaging in creative outlets can help channel your emotions constructively.
Struggling with Low Self-Esteem:
Trauma, especially from early childhood experiences like abuse, abandonment, or neglect, can severely impact your self-image. You might struggle to feel good about yourself, particularly if the trauma was inflicted by someone you loved. Studies show that individuals with PTSD often suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. Combat these feelings by practicing self-affirmation and surrounding yourself with supportive and positive influences.
Unexplained Psychological Symptoms:
Do you feel more anxious or panicky than before? Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed, or are you experiencing appetite or sleep disturbances? Symptoms like anxiety, depression, dissociation, panic attacks, flashbacks, and nightmares are common in individuals with PTSD. If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide the necessary tools and support to manage these symptoms.
Taking Steps Towards Healing:
Healing from trauma takes time and effort, but it's essential for moving forward and finding peace of mind. If you or someone you love has experienced trauma, consider the following steps:
Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional can help you navigate your emotions and develop coping strategies.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals.
Engage in Mindfulness: Practices like meditation and yoga can help center your mind and reduce stress.
Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions without judgment.
Healing from trauma is a journey, and reaching out for help is a crucial step. By acknowledging your trauma and actively working towards healing, you can reclaim your life and find peace. If you found this information helpful, please share it with those who might benefit from it. Stay tuned for more insights, and thank you for reading.
