Why You Can’t Just ‘Get Over’ Trauma: The Science Behind Healing

Here are some reasons why:

  • Overwhelming emotions: Traumatic experiences can trigger intense and overwhelming emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, guilt, and shame. These emotions can be difficult to manage and can interfere with daily life.
  • Reliving the trauma: People who have experienced trauma may find themselves reliving the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. These experiences can be distressing and can make it difficult to feel safe or secure.
  • Avoidance behavior: As a way of coping with the trauma, people may develop avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of the event. While this can provide temporary relief, it can also limit a person’s ability to live a full and meaningful life.
  • Difficulty trusting others: Trauma can erode a person’s sense of trust and safety. This can make it difficult to form healthy relationships and connect with others.
  • Physical symptoms: Trauma can also have physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can make it even more challenging to cope with the emotional impact of the trauma.

It’s important to remember that healing from trauma takes time and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Seeking professional help from a therapist can be a valuable step in the healing process.