Take Control of Trauma: Because it Doesn't Have to Own You

Who wants to talk about or deal with the trauma? If we talk about it, we have to admit it happens and sometimes we have to get even deeper and admit it happened to us. Trauma . . . . . Who gets to define it? Trauma is an event that affects you negatively or traumatically. This could be an accident, rape, abuse, and/or war. You don’t have to be the victim in order to experience trauma. A 3-year old watching a parent get physically assaulted is traumatic. Witnessing a terrible wreck that takes the lives of others is traumatic.

There are many things we experience in our lives that are traumatic, things that affect us negativity and impact our lives. We often know we have experienced trauma, but do we know how to deal with trauma?

Trauma Affects A Lot of Us

First, we must understand that trauma affects most if not everyone at some point in their lives. There is no escaping it. So, we have to deal with trauma in a healthy manner. This does not mean drinking your memories away with your favorite alcoholic beverage or isolating yourself in an attempt to protect yourself from the feelings and thoughts that come with having a traumatic experience. Admitting you have had a traumatic experience doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. If you find that trauma is controlling your life, seek help. Talk to someone about what is going on and let a professional walk you through the healing process.

Not Everyone's Trauma is the Same

Secondly, understand that trauma affects everyone differently. Just as we are unique human beings, the way we experience things/trauma is also unique. Based on our life experiences, things we encounter may or may not be considered traumatic. For those who were born in a war-ravaged community, seeing death and demise may not affect them the same as one who grew up in a rural community with little to no crime. This does not mean these two people aren’t affected by the trauma, it simply means trauma has affected them differently. So, hearing a car backfire may not cause you to run and find shelter, but it could cause you to momentarily stop in your tracks and take stock of your surroundings before moving on. The goal is to move beyond the trauma. This may take weeks, months, or even years, but continue your forward movement toward the goal of freedom.

Don't Do Nothing

Finally, take the hard step and ask for help. Trauma can be paralyzing. However, it does not have to be. You can speak to a therapist who can help you process your trauma, deal with your trauma, and heal from the damage caused by trauma. Your life experiences make you the person you are now. If you have endured trauma, you have already proven that you possess strength. Utilize this strength to help propel you to that place of peace you seek. Trauma does not have to rule your life. It will always be a part of your life, but you control your life. Trauma happened TO YOU. Trauma does not DEFINE YOU.

Remember:

• Trauma affects most people

• Trauma affects different people differently

• Trauma happens to you; it does not define you

At Mind Works Counseling Services in Lubbock, Texas, we specialize in providing help for those who have experienced trauma. We have counselors available to help. Please feel free to give us a call and schedule an appointment.

Learn more about the Trauma Counseling Services we offer.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or to let us answer any questions you may have.