It’s not only the things that happen to us and through us that can cause trauma but also the things that happen around us. What we experience can be as upsetting as what we witness.
Trauma goes well beyond upset. It’s sustained and exaggerated stress or distress. The incident or incidents that cause that stress or distress are often beyond our control. What we see, hear and feel has a psychological impact that is difficult to gauge and even more difficult when it comes to coping. We can be left confused and damaged.
The cause of trauma may be immediately obvious. But it could also be an accumulation of various unrelated triggers. It may be an isolated event or an ongoing issue.
Key to recovery is identification of the cause. Only when we accept what it is can we then work on reactive strategies.
We can live with the memory of trauma but it is far more difficult to live with the pain and suffering of trauma. We get to choose which path we will take.
Strategies come down to self care.
The first step is to talk through the issue with a mental health professional or a trusted family member or friend. Talk eases the internal pressure. Putting it into words can lead to greater clarity and understanding and point the way to recovery.
Using strategies to calm the inner turmoil and rationalise the thought processes are also important.
Our mental wellbeing can take a battering as a result of what life throws in our direction but there are ways and means to work our way back to balance and content.
Choosing a strategy is one thing. Implementation of that strategy is essential.
Gary Bentley Counselling 