Therapy

The team and I would like to start this article, by saying; we hope you are doing ok. Traumatic events are exactly that. Big events, especially psychologically damaging ones, can make you feel that you personality and mind is permanently disfigured. However there are many ways to cope, such as mental exercises, therapy and others. We would like to emphasise this article is not about a “cure”, it is about coping. Which means, in this article, adaption and to lessen the negative feelings you may be having. We hope this article will be beneficial and will start you on the road to a better life. We would also like to stress, that if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call the suicide hotline available in your country.

Traumatic events can be defined, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, by an experience that can cause anything from physical to psychological stress. Common event triggers, such as: sexual assault, death, witnessing a violent act, to name a few. We would like to stress, that there are no lesser traumatic events, yours is not less important. Do not compare yourself to the experiences of others, as this can cause serious reactions, such as: not seeking coping methods and “getting on with it”. Untreated depression can: lengthen the amount of time, increase symptoms and potentially damage relationships. So here are a few helpful tips.

Seek advice from your doctor.

This “tip” is one of the most important and we cannot stress how valid this will be to your recovery. Most doctors, specifically general practitioners, will be very well versed in most types of disorders and are able to refer you to a specific therapist or doctor. As stated above an untreated issue, can and will, can be prolong the length of time you suffer. There are many trained professionals, in the medical field, who are ready and willing to help you. If you cannot bring yourself to visit in person, ask for a call back and you will be able to speak to her/him over the phone.

Speaking about the event

Again, one of the main steps to your recovery is talking. This is going to sound ridiculous, but sharing your memories of the event, can feel like a huge weight of shoulders. This can be a therapist, a friend or someone on a helpline. We want to emphasise how important, the trauma you or a loved one experienced, is important and really matters. Ignoring it, does not work and it will not help you to do so. Therapy sessions are on several types of platforms, such as: online, phone and in person. Do not, under any circumstance, suffer alone.

I don’t if this will make you feel better, but I have very personal experience with trauma and how this can shape you as a person. So I wanted to tell you it really does get better, it just takes time and that sucks. Whatever happened, it is not ok or fair, but it is part of your memories. You will be ok because you are stronger that you know.