How to overcome past trauma

How to Overcome Past Trauma: A Journey to Emotional Healing 

Trauma feels like an unexpected storm. It hits you hard, leaving you drenched in confusion, pain, and often, an overwhelming feeling of vulnerability. You could experience trauma from absolutely anything- a personal loss, a devastating accident, or a life-changing event. Trauma changes us. But here’s the thing- it does not have to keep defining us forever. The road to overcoming past trauma can be tough, but it is surely possible. Let’s walk through the steps together!  

Understanding Trauma: What Are You Dealing With? 

Before anything else, let us talk about what trauma actually does to us. It is very normal to feel the aftershocks of a disturbing event. It could be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or an accident- trauma has a way of shaking us to the core and leaving us feeling insecure in a world which once felt very safe. Trauma can show up in various ways and here are some: 

The first step towards healing is by beginning to recognize these reactions for what they are- a natural response to an unnatural situation. It is okay to not be okay for a while, but it is even more important to remind yourself that these feelings will not last forever. You can, and will, move on and get past this.  

1. Make a Commitment to Let Go 

This might sound simple, but it is the hardest part: you have to decide if you wish to truly move forward. Letting go does not mean forgetting the past in terms of what happened or pretending that it was not important. It means choosing to realize the power that the trauma has over your everyday life.  

Once you commit to doing this, the healing process can start to feel empowering. Therefore, letting go of trauma is not about erasing the past- it is more about allowing yourself to live fully in the present.  

2. Feel the Feelings, Don’t Fight Them 

Often, we try to avoid the feelings that are triggered by trauma- fear, anger, sadness or even guilt. However, healing does not come from pushing these emotions away. Instead, you allow yourself to feel those emotions. This does not mean dwelling in sadness but rather acknowledging your emotions as and when they come up.  

You should consider expressing those feelings in a journal, in conversation with a trusted friend, or with the guidance of a therapist. The key to it is for you to not bottle them up- you must try releasing these emotions as it is necessary for healing.  

3. Take Responsibility, Not Blame 

When you take responsibility, it does not mean you are taking blame for something. It means you are accepting what happened and understanding your role- if any- in the event. If guilt is a part of your trauma, this becomes a very important step in the process. Owning your part but refusing to take the blame for whatever happened beyond your control, it helps you regain power over your future.  

Responsibility leads to growth, while blame gets you trapped. When you begin taking responsibility, you remind yourself that you have control over your life moving forward.  

4. Practice Mindfulness and Stay Present 

Trauma can cause you to live in the past, reliving every event and feeling very stuck in painful memories. In this regard, mindfulness is a very powerful tool to help yourself break free from this cycle. By focusing on the present moment, reflecting on how your body feels, the way you breathe, the sights and sounds around you- everything reminds your brain that the traumatic event is no longer happening, and things are different now.  

This practice helps increase self-compassion. Research suggests that mindfulness is very effective in curing symptoms of trauma by calming the nervous system and helping you stay grounded in the here and now.  

5. Reach Out for Support 

Sometimes, the most powerful step in the healing process is simply asking for help. Trauma can make you feel isolated, but you do not need to go through this alone. Try talking about things to a friend, join a support group, or you may even consider professional counselling services. You must be aware that therapists specifically trained in recovering from trauma, and their support can be extremely helpful on your journey to healing.  

A therapist provides you with a safe space to explore wide-ranging difficult emotions, and they offer you techniques to help you cope with trauma in a way that makes it feel manageable.  

Moving Forward with Hope 

While trauma may leave you with lasting scars, it does not have to make you feel captive. By choosing to let go, and beginning to feel your emotions, practicing mindfulness, and reaching out for help, you can overcome the weight of the past. The journey will not be easy, but it is worth it! 

You deserve to live a life where your past does not dictate your future, and with time, patience, and help, you can truly create that life! 

Remember: Your trauma does not define you. Your resilience does.