We all experience trauma at some point in our lives, and the aftermath of a traumatic event can be incredibly difficult to cope with. For many people, the fear of falling apart is so strong that it can be difficult to seek help or even allow ourselves to acknowledge our suffering. Unfortunately, the results of this can be devastating – not only to our mental and physical health, but also to our faith. In this article, we’ll be exploring five common responses to trauma and how to give yourself permission to not be okay.

Denying the Trauma

One of the most common responses to trauma is to deny that it has happened. This can take the form of telling ourselves that the event never occurred, or that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. Denial can be a dangerous coping mechanism, however, as it can prevent us from getting the help we need to process and heal from our trauma.

Blaming Others for Our Trauma

Another common response to trauma is to blame others for it. We may find ourselves placing the blame on someone else for the event or the way it made us feel. This can be a dangerous response to trauma, as it can lead to feelings of resentment and can prevent us from taking responsibility for our own healing.

Ignoring the Impact of the Trauma

Many people also attempt to ignore the impact of the trauma they have experienced. This can take the form of downplaying the significance of the event or refusing to talk about the feelings it has caused. While this may seem like a way to manage the pain, it can actually make it worse in the long run as the emotional impact of the experience is not addressed.

Minimizing the Influence of the Trauma

Another common response to trauma is to minimize its influence. This can involve telling ourselves that the event wasn’t that bad, or that it won’t have a lasting effect. This can be a dangerous response to trauma, as it can prevent us from recognizing the importance of seeking help and support.

Transposing Pain with Peace Due to Fear of Addressing Trauma

Finally, many people attempt to transpose pain with peace out of fear of addressing the trauma. This can involve using substances or activities to distract ourselves from the pain, or pretending that everything is okay when it really isn’t. This can be a dangerous response to trauma, as it can prevent us from acknowledging our suffering and seeking help.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s important to give yourself permission to acknowledge your suffering and to seek help and support from those around you. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, it’s important to reach out for help and to be kind to yourself during the healing process.

Call-to-Action

If you’ve experienced trauma and are struggling to cope, please share this article on social media and encourage your friends and family to reach out for support. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone.

References

Friedman, M. (2020). Giving Yourself Permission to Not Be Okay: How to Cope with the Aftermath of Trauma. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healing-center/202002/giving-yourself-permission-not-be-okay

Yancey, L. (2020). How to Cope with Trauma: 5 Common Responses to Trauma and How to Overcome Them. GoodTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-cope-with-trauma-5-common-responses-and-how-to-overcome-them-0624194