Trauma refuses to stay buried. Like a period, a cancerous lump, or the pouring rain; it doesn’t wait until an appropriate time to arrive. It doesn’t care if your pants get stained, you miss the wedding, or if your shirt looks see -through when it’s wet.

Trauma can sometimes sound like “It is too loud in here!” “I need the pain to stop for just a little bit.” “I was going along minding my own business when BOOM, those words triggered me and now I can’t sleep, can’t eat…” “I can’t come over because…” “Nobody understands what this is like for me!” 

Trauma can sometimes look like a meltdown, going quiet, staying in bed, sobbing in the middle of a store, fainting, explosive anger, an eating disorder, or suicide.

Trauma is real and diagnosable, but often misunderstood and ignored.

My training says, “trauma first needs to be acknowledged and treated within the safe and supportive realm of a trauma therapist.” This is true, but only if you can make that first call to find a good therapist who you can afford and get to via teletherapy or an office that is attainable. 

Do reach out. You will learn to use tools and purge yourself of things that refuse to stay buried. Good therapy is important.

Until you have the courage to get this type of valuable help, you can start with the following:

1.         Be safe. Evaluate your situation. Are you safe where you are? If not, seek safety immediately at a shelter, friend’s home, or family member’s home. You don’t need to explain or even understand your trauma at this point, but you do need to be safe. 

2.         Take the medication prescribed to you until you and your doctor agree that it is not necessary.

3.         Eat, sleep, and drink water. You are a warrior who is getting ready to do battle. Working on your trauma is difficult and you need to fuel up.

4.         Make an appointment with a therapist who specializes in trauma. (If you don’t connect with the first therapist move on until you find someone who validates and helps you. A therapist is owed nothing accept the fee they collect. You do not owe a therapist your heart or business loyalty.)

5.         Start writing or drawing in a journal. I promise you this helps clear the cobwebs and make sense of chaos.

6.         Take walks in nature.

7.         Take time off from your job if you have the hours, if you don’t, work only those scheduled. Practice saying no to covering shifts or working overtime. It is time to focus on your needs.

8.         Do things that you enjoy like art or making music.

9.         Share with friends only if it will benefit your growth while respecting them.

10.      Go to your therapy appointments and do the work with your therapist.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known to suffer, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.  – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

You are worthy of healing, love, and a beautiful life. You are worthy of empowerment!