Recovering from trauma is a deeply personal journey, one that varies greatly from person to person. Trauma can disrupt our lives in profound ways, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can undermine our sense of safety, causing feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. Recognising the multifaceted impact of trauma is a crucial first step in the healing journey. It’s important to acknowledge that trauma can lead to very normal responses that can cause conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, alongside manifesting in physical symptoms. Trauma can stem from a wide range of experiences, including but not limited to, childhood experiences, personal loss, accidents, violence, or natural disasters. The challenge often includes balancing the demands of daily life and the many roles we hold whilst trying to prioritise our wellbeing needs. Many of the team at TICS have their own lived and/or living experiences of trauma. This blog features a collection of our personal and professional thoughts, experiences and reflections that whilst difficult, trauma healing and recovery from trauma, is possible. We hope it offers some hope to those who might be experiencing the effects of trauma or traumatic experiences. 

Acknowledging Trauma

Acknowledging trauma is an essential first step in the journey towards healing and recovery. Our brains are marvellous things that work so hard to protect us from the things that cause us distress. However, this means that acknowledging trauma can be challenging. It requires confronting some deeply painful emotions and memories that might have been avoided/repressed. The act of acknowledging trauma involves recognising the impact it has had on one's life, emotions, and well-being. This step is not about admitting defeat or weakness; rather, it's an essential move towards understanding and processing the experiences that have shaped us.

It's vital to highlight that trauma can affect anyone, irrespective of their perceived strength, intelligence, or professional accomplishments. Trauma does not discriminate, and its occurrence is not a reflection of our capabilities or character. By acknowledging the presence of trauma, we can begin to dismantle the stigma and shame often associated with these experiences. This acknowledgment opens the door to seeking support and therapy. This can support exploring coping mechanisms and strategies to address and heal from the trauma.

Understanding the universality of trauma can also foster a sense of community and support among those of us affected. It's an invitation to empathise with ourselves and others, recognising the resilience and courage it takes to confront and work through traumatic experiences. The process of acknowledging trauma is a crucial step not only for individual healing but also for creating a more compassionate and understanding society that recognises the profound effects of trauma and the strength it takes to overcome them.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking professional support can be a vital step in the recovery process. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed counselling can offer significant benefits. A therapist can provide a safe space to express feelings, offer coping strategies, and guide you through the healing process. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards recovery. There might other strategies that we may not think of when we are processing so much so having someone else to help you navigate the journey can be really helpful. 

Other types of professional support can be in the form of modalities that work with the body such as massage, kinesiology, meditation, mindfulness, yoga or other forms of body work. Trauma is stored in the body so releasing trauma from the body is a crucial element of the healing journey.

Whoever you choose to work with, always investigate their knowledge and professional expertise around the impact of trauma and their understanding of trauma healing so as to avoid re-traumatisation (for example).

Establishing a Support System

Having a support system of colleagues, friends, and family can provide emotional comfort and practical help. Sharing your experiences with trusted individuals can lessen the burden of trauma. It’s important to communicate your needs and boundaries clearly to your support network. This can be challenging but can unlock so much support and compassion from others. Additionally, it might be worth exploring the option of support groups, either in-person or online, to connect with others who have had similar experiences. There is often such richness that can come from sharing of experience. 

Implementing Self-Care Practices

Self-care is an essential component of the recovery process. This includes prioritising your physical health through exercise, nutrition, and sleep, as well as your mental health through mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in doing things that you enjoy. Learning to listen to your body and mind and giving yourself permission to rest are crucial steps in healing. 

Workplace Considerations

During trauma recovery, we may need to set boundaries at work to manage our stress levels and avoid burnout. This could mean delegating tasks, taking regular breaks, or even adjusting work hours if possible. Understandably, many of us might be concerned about telling our employer but all organisations have a duty of care to consider the wellbeing and needs of all of their staff. Many organisations offer resources such as counselling services or flexible work arrangements so it might be worth doing some digging and finding what is out there. 

Embracing Patience and Compassion

An overused phrase, but as they say… “time is a healer.” We don’t like clichés at TICS but what we would say is that recovery is not linear; it involves ups and downs. There may be days when you feel significant progress and others where you feel like you are back at square one. So as much as it may feel like a cliché, it really does take time. Practice patience and compassion with yourself during these times. It’s okay to move at your own pace. Only you have lived your life so try not to compare yourself to others. 

Finding Meaning After Trauma

Many individuals find that their experience with trauma leads them to discover new meanings and purposes in their lives. This could involve advocating for issues related to your trauma, engaging in volunteer work, or exploring new professional paths that align more closely with your values and passions. TICS was born out of our mutual yearning to turn both our professional and personal experiences into something that might support others.

Conclusion

Recovering from trauma is a deeply personal and often challenging journey that includes acknowledging the trauma, seeking professional help, establishing a support system, practicing self-care, setting professional boundaries and embracing patience and compassion. Finding new meaning in life after experiencing trauma can be a transformative part of the healing process. This may involve rediscovering old passions, finding new interests, or engaging in activities that bring purpose and joy. It’s a way of reaffirming life’s value and one’s own resilience in the face of adversity. Remember, healing from trauma is possible, and we don’t have to walk this path alone.

If you need any help and support or just a general chat about ‘all things Trauma Informed’, please get in touch with Lyndsay, our Working Together Lead at lyndsay@ticservicesltd.com and our team will support you in your journey.