Our memories trigger certain emotions. Some memories are good, while others might be bad. They can make us laugh or cry, depending on how much attention we give them. However, unknowingly some memories have a more significant impact on us.
Painful memories that are tough to let go of may cause emotional and psychological trauma. We occasionally experience what seems like irreversible effects from unpleasant experiences, emotions, or the intense pain from an unforgettable moment. Trauma then enters the picture. An extremely upsetting or disturbing experience is referred to as trauma. We cannot change the traumatic events in our lives, and they may still impact us in the future. But, we can learn from it and know that recovery is still possible.
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What is Emotional and Psychological Trauma?
Highly stressful circumstances that shatter your sense of security and leave you feeling helpless in a dangerous world can lead to emotional and psychological trauma. You may struggle with troubling feelings, memories, and anxiety due to psychological trauma. You might also experience numbness, alienation, and a lack of confidence in other people.
Traumatic events frequently involve a danger to one’s life or physical safety. Still, they can also be caused by any circumstance that makes you feel helpless and alone. Your emotional reaction to the event, not the objective facts, determines whether it qualifies as traumatic.
Causes Of Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Different individuals may respond differently to the same traumatic experience. Hence, it might not be traumatic for others, but it could be for you. Some root causes of psychological and emotional trauma are:
- unexpected occurrences such as a collision, injury, or violent attack,
- natural disasters,
- domestic abuse, physical or emotional abuse, bullying during childhood, and
- constant dangers include having a life-threatening illness or living in a neighborhood where crime is prevalent.
The frequently neglected factors include:
- surgery, particularly during the first three years of life,
- sudden death of a loved one,
- relationships that have been severed after a person invested a lot of emotion, and
- experiences that were embarrassing or highly disappointing, especially when they involved intentional cruelty.
Symptoms Of Emotional and Psychological Trauma
We all have many different physical and emotional responses to trauma. Do not criticize your own or other people’s responses because there is no “right” or “wrong” response. Your responses are REACTIONS THAT ARE USUAL CAUSED DUE TO UNUSUAL EVENTS.
Psychological & emotional signs:
- disbelief, denial, or shock,
- confusion and attention issues,
- angry, irritable, and moody,
- fear and angst,
- shame, guilt, and self-blame,
- excluding oneself from others when depressed or hopeless, and
- having a distant or numb feeling.
Physical signs:
- nightmares or insomnia,
- fatigue,
- difficulty paying attention,
- rapid heart rate,
- anxiety and nervousness, and
- pains and aches.
Methods for Recovering from Emotional and Psychological Trauma
It varies from person to person how they recover from psychological and emotional trauma. The methods which work for one may not be effective for another. The options listed below might aid in your quest for healing, but not everyone will travel the same route. Finding your way may be easier if you have professional direction from a behavioral health provider.
1. Exercise and Body Movement
Exercise and movement can aid the nervous system’s recovery as trauma disturbs your body’s natural equilibrium. A half-hour or longer workout helps with both physical and emotional well-being. It also doesn’t have to happen all at once. It is just as beneficial to fit in a few 10-minute workout sessions throughout the day. The best exercises are rhythmic ones that use both your arms and legs. While engaging in physical activities like yoga, martial arts, or weightlifting, incorporate mindfulness by paying attention to your movements. This is a fantastic way to divert your focus from negative thoughts.
2. Connect with Others
Accept that lunch invitation or sign up for a hobby group to give yourself different things to think about because connecting with others is essential to healing.
A little “me-time” is fine, but too much could be unhealthy. Consider contacting a behavioral health professional for assistance if talking to your friends or family causes discomfort. You can express your emotions here without fear of criticism. Counselors can offer insight into your thoughts and suggestions for improving your outlook. Take part in social events. To keep your mind off traumatic memories and experiences, try to engage in “normal” activities. Make new friends or rekindle old friendships and meaningful past relationships. Being around people can help you feel better. Consider taking a class or joining a club to meet people who have similar interests to your own.
3. Ask for Assistance
You may feel better if you can find solace with a behavioral health professional, spiritual guide, or a dependable family member. Even though it’s not always necessary to go into specifics about your trauma, everyone needs someone who will listen to them without judgment. Become a part of a support group for trauma victims. Connecting with a mental health professional who can motivate you, make you feel less alone, and speed up your healing is essential.
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Takeaway
You are strong enough to get through this whole dilemma with proper help. Do not let your past control you from achieving your goals or living your desired life. Give your friends, family, or mental health professionals a chance to help you reclaim yourself.
Now that you know about emotional and psychological trauma. Let’s take you to another similar mental health issue, Personality Disorder: Definition, Types, And Causes. To learn more about it, click here.
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