It’s the first Monday of yet another month in this pandemic & with May being Mental Health Awareness month, for the next 5 weeks, on every Monday I will be highlighting ways to cope & acknowledge trauma.

To start off, let’s discuss what unhealed trauma can look like.

Unhealed trauma can look like but is not limited to:

– Low self-esteem.

– Codependency.

– Fear of being abandoned.

– Putting your needs to the side for others.

– Seeking validation from others.

– Feeling shameful.

– Unable to tolerate conflict.

– Fear of the unknown.

– Resisting positive changes.

– Tolerating abuse.

– Difficulty advocating for yourself.

– Overtly agreeable.

These are just some of the ways unhealed trauma can show up in our lives or in those around us.

Sometimes we aren’t always aware of these qualities.

Other times we run from them.

Acknowledging trauma isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Facing where these traumas stem from can be very triggering & draining to the mind, body, & soul.

But…

As ugly & sad as it can be to face past traumas, it can be extremely healing & critical for ones growth.

Overthinking, having negative thoughts, creating scenarios, worrying – these things do nothing but robs us of peace, joy, & happiness.

Healing takes time, patience, endurance, love, & nurturing to progress.

Healing is not linear.

Rushing this process for temporary satisfaction will leave you repeating cycles & projecting your inner turmoil onto others.

Everyone’s journey is different, so facing trauma looks differently to everyone but it usually starts with acknowledging it. Once you’ve acknowledged those feelings & emotions, you feel them. Once you feel those emotions, you can hopefully find peace in them. Once you’ve found peace, you set yourself free from past experiences.

The truth is only we can do something with our pain.

We can let it dictate our lives or take our power back & transmute it.

I hope whoever reads this chooses the latter.

In the upcoming weeks I’d like to share some tips to transmute these emotions with healthy transformative outlets.

Today I’ll end with a breathing exercise that I’ve found to be helpful.

Exercise: Inhale through the mouth, then exhale with a sigh. – Typically when something frustrating occurs we’ll sigh without noticing. This exercise connects us to how our bodies naturally release pent up energy.

Before publishing this post, I feel called to notate that I am not a licensed Mental Health professional. All advice & suggestions come from personal experience, working with a therapist, & researching ways to better help myself.

If you are in trouble or in need of help please reach out to the following hotlines:

• Text GOT5 to 741741 – Crisis Text Line is an anonymous texting service available 24/7.

• Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY – OASAS HOPEline is a 24/7 problem gambling & chemical dependency hotline.

• Call 1-800-273-TALK – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is for those who are in crisis & need immediate help, if your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger please call 911 immediately.

• Call 1-800-942-6906 – Domestic Violence Hotline is for those in a relationship who are being controlled by another individual through verbal, physical, emotional, & sexual abuse.

I look forward to sharing more information with you all.

Stay strong & never give up.

– MML