The Denial of Trauma

“I don’t have trauma.” “What happened to me isn’t trauma.” “Trauma is something horrific.” “I should have been able to cope with it.” “It’s not sad.” “I’m not upset.” Accepting you are suffering from trauma is by far one of the most difficult aspects of recovery. I thought that admitting I was suffering from trauma suggested I couldn’t cope with the events in my life or I didn’t have the strength to deal with and process those events. I thought (and sometimes in my dark moments still think) that suffering from the effects of trauma made me weak, broken and a failure. I have met many other people who share this sentiment. They are stuck in a cycle of denial which keeps them prisoner in a cage of negative behavior patterns and harmful symptoms. Admitting you are suffering is not only difficult for you, but has an impact on everyone in your life, in particular your family. Others around you may not want you to be suffering from trauma as it makes some difficult truths real. Admitting trauma means other people have to look at themselves. The denial of trauma absolves everyone of their own feelings. Having the strength to say, actually, you know what, this happened and this has contributed to where I am today, is the hardest thing many sufferers will have to do in their lives. Having the strength to say this trauma is mine and I am owning my feelings will mean others have to step back and own their own feelings. Refusing to hold other people&#...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Brain and Behavior Bullying Children and Teens Disorders General Personal Psychology PTSD Relationships Self-Esteem Trauma Child Abuse Childhood Trauma Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reactivity Source Type: blogs