Faithbase

Hello and welcome to Soulful Sessions. I'm Jackie DeHora, a trauma-informed mental health therapist. Today on Trauma Thursdays, we're diving deep into the world of trauma. Traumatic events, whether it's a sudden accident, instances of bullying, or witnessing something terrifying, it can etch deep emotional scars. An intriguing aspect of trauma is that it has diverse impact. While some people will grapple with anxiety, others can just be enveloped in sadness or emotional numbness. It's our mind's unique way of responding to overwhelming events. However, there's hope. Just as a broken bone mends over time, our emotional wounds can heal. It requires time, patience, and professional support. Take Jane, for instance. A traumatic event from her youth made her hypersensitive to everyday stimuli like sudden loud noises. Now she's hypervigilant. She feels on edge. Crowded places became overwhelming, and her mind often replayed those haunting memories, also known as flashbacks. Jane's journey shows us that trauma can reshape our reactions and emotions, but with the right help, it's possible to navigate these challenges and then rediscover a sense of safety. Then there's Mike. Outwardly, he's like the life of the party, right? He's always ready with a joke, but beneath that friendly exterior and all that humor, it's actually a coping mechanism. It's masking his traumatic experiences. Despite facing challenging times, Mike chose humor as his shield, and his friends remained oblivious to his internal struggles, which shows us how trauma can often be concealed in plain sight. Both Jane and Mike demonstrate the varied ways that trauma manifests, but it's important to remember that seeking help is not only okay, but it's necessary. If past events continue to cast a shadow on your present, reaching out can be life-changing. Whether it's a trusted friend, family, or a therapist, there are avenues to help you heal. Often, trauma survivors just face this challenge of feeling a profound sense of isolation, because they believe that others can't truly comprehend their experiences, which leads them to feel detached from other people. Think of Nancy. A traumatic event in her 20s now cast a long shadow. Over time, she starts avoiding social scenarios. She starts feeling fearful that she's going to get triggered or that she's going to be judged, and then this isolation just grows, and it causes this distance even more between her and her close friends. So, how can one navigate this isolation? Joining support groups can be critical. Talking with others who face similar challenges can reduce those feelings of loneliness. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy offers tools to reframe experiences and build coping mechanisms. Here's a fact from the American Psychological Association. Trauma survivors who engage in therapy often experience marked improvements, with many noting reduced distress and an enhanced sense of well-being. Community also plays a pivotal role. So, building a supportive network, even if it's just like a handful of people, can be a great way to build a supportive network. Of individuals, right? Of people that understand you, that can listen to you, that can say, you know what? I believe you, or that sounds rough. That can offer a sanctuary for healing. Simple gestures like them just listening to you can be so impactful. As we conclude today's session, remember, trauma might leave its mark, but it does not dictate your identity. With the right resources and support, healing is just within reach. Thank you for joining me on Soulful Sessions. Stay resilient, seek support when needed. Until next time, stay soulful.