Exploring the role of mindfulness in overcoming trauma

Trauma is inevitable in our lives as individuals and comes in different forms. They are significant or complex experiences that may leave visible or non-visible scars, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Depending on the healing technique implemented, even the scars may heal and become invisible, while others have to find a way to cope with seeing the scars. However, throughout centuries and centuries of trauma, one technique that has proven to be reliable is mindfulness. It's an intentional art of basking in the consciousness of one's environment, and it has helped so many individuals cope with their traumas and triggering situations when going about their daily activities.

Understanding the effects of trauma

A moment of solitude reflecting the emotional weight of trauma (tCaPC).

Trauma stems from various experiences, including physical abuse, emotional or verbal abuse, losing a loved one, or even witnessing a disturbing situation. There is no strict rap-sheeted criterion for trauma because you can not tell how your mind and your body react to different situations. The effects of trauma cover a vast range of aftermath reactions, including anxiety, depression, sudden outbursts in response to triggering situations, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and so on. For those seeking support, finding a trauma therapist near me or engaging in trauma counselling near me can be the first step towards healing.

However, mindfulness sets the foundation on the path to recovery. When practiced regularly, it can significantly reduce the effects of trauma or the negative responses to it. One thing to note is that your trauma does not define your strength. Your response to any kind of trauma is dependent on the ones you had before, other progressive catalysts in your life, and how much support you had after. Here are common responses to trauma:

Defense: Being defensive, protesting, or even trying to over someone in a bid to protect yourself is a common response to a humiliating event in the past.

Flight: Running away from serious relationships or serious issues of life for fear that you might get hurt again is common.

Fawn: Trying to please the person hurting you so they could not hurt you.

Freeze: Being unable to make important decisions in your life because of fear of the unknown.

Some physical effects may be a faster heart rate around triggering situations, nausea, cold hands, panic attacks, and difficulty in breathing. Sometimes, your body system returns to normal at least 20 minutes to one hour after the triggering event. However, for some individuals or situations, these feelings remain long after these incidents, and you find yourself reliving the past and wondering if the threat is going to come back anytime soon.

Practical Application Of Mindfulness In Overcoming Trauma

Mindfulness involves different strategies designed to expand your awareness and increase acceptance. To heal and make progress, you must understand and accept that you can not change the past, no matter how long it takes. To address specific trauma needs, individuals can employ these strategies:

Guided mindfulness exercises in a serene outdoor setting (tCaPC).

Try Mindfulness Therapy: This kind of therapy aims to establish calmness of the mind and body in triggering situations. A trauma-informed therapist can help you incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily life. For instance, you may decide to practice meditation or yoga every day before you go to work. Other times, it might be a twenty-minute evening walk a few times a week. Either way, with the help of your therapist, you can pick a routine mindfulness practice that you enjoy to help you stay grounded. Mindfulness practices such as deep breaths and mindful movements with your therapist can also help bring you back to consciousness when you feel detached from yourself or you feel afraid in response to a triggering situation.

Finding the right support: When dealing with trauma, having someone around you is ideal. Sometimes, you would need to hear the voices of your friends and family to feel a sense of safety and stability. Meditating on your own is also great, however, your mindfulness session may be better if you have other people doing it with you. The best way to cope with trauma is to be around people that make you feel safe.

Group mindfulness practice focusing on breath awareness (tCaPC).

Take Advantage Of Mindfulness Resources: Weirdly, mindfulness resources like certified books on trauma from renowned author Peter Levine can offer in-depth guidance on using mindfulness to overcome trauma. These resources can provide deep revelations on different types of trauma and help you understand whatever you are going through. By working with a trauma treatment near me provider, individuals struggling with consistent negative reactions to triggering situations can get into programs that would help them begin their journey to recovery.

Conclusion

The road to healing and trauma recovery is not cherries and cake. Sometimes, we would make progress, and other times, it may seem as if nothing is working out. However, with the right trauma strategy, support, and resources, recovery is possible. Mindfulness lays the foundation for every healing journey. It lets you take in every moment and remind you of all the things you can do presently while dealing with the emotions of the past. It also brings you a sense of calmness and comfort as you go through your daily activities. If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, consider reaching out to a trauma counsellor near me or exploring the wealth of mindfulness resources available.