Dealing with Trauma

Once upon a time there was a little girl who was just 5 years old. Five years old and staring up at her mom as she held an icepack to her eye and watched her mom look for her makeup cover up stick. If it was not a black eye.. it was bruises upon bruises to cover up before school. "Walk in and smile and after school I'll take you shopping". Every day was the same. Every night seemed to get worse. Six years of age, she became bulimic because while eating dinner her mother would scream at her about how much of a failure she was or how much she should have never been born. Dinner became a nightmare, what once was food was now just something she could never keep down because her nerves and stomach would never let her. The only safe place was her bed.. when mother went to sleep and would finally relax. Remember how most little kids would think monsters come from under their bed? well most of the time the real monster would awake from the master and come storming into the bedroom and grab the girl by the hair and drag her to the hall where she would sleep on the cold hard floor because .. even under the bed could not save her. Over the years things didn't remain the same, they got worse and worse. Nine years old, Fifty-Eight bruises, a broken ankle, Five bite marks on her bottom and else where.. Free at last. A teacher at school finally spoke up and decided to take action before it was too late. The child went into custody and went with her long lost father.. she had met him a few times but not enough to remember his face. The little girl faced the next years of her adolescence jumping back and forth between the drunken mom and the absent father. If your under the age of 16, you cannot legally chose which parent you want to live with, therefore when mommy dearest seemed better.. it was safe to say she got her little girl back. Wasn't until the little girl turned 18 years old until she finally found freedom. But freedom isn't free.

How do you cope with trauma? Do you see a therapist? probably. Do you cry everyday and feel sorry about your life? you could. Do you screenshot every quote that you see on insta that makes you feel not so alone? all the damn time. does it help? probably.. probably not. So what the fudge do you do? How do you get over something like that.. something that took up so many years of your life? You. Live.

The only way is UP. Know that when you are ready, Your story is meant to be heard. You can decide to share it whenever or however you please. but let it go, let the words flow out of you.. taking you back to the very moments of the trauma. Breathe in and breath out, as you live in those moments and accept they exist. See a professional..I am no where near one but if you need to please go.. talk to someone or if your not ready.. do some journalling. The point is.. FACE IT. Do not run from the past. Facing your feelings head-on is important because you want to be able to take care of them in a way that helps you move forward.

Go exercise .. Researchers say that it helps with depression and relieve anxiety.

Listen. to. your. body. Eat healthy.. rest.. do things that just make you happy. If thats eating a pint or two of half baked... by all means.

NO Alchohol... The worst thing you can do to yourself when you are in the trauma state of mind... and trying to release yourself from the burdens.. is putting poison into your body. Sure.. it might be nice to numb the memories and feelings but it can do damage in the long run. The problem is, if the stress continues, alcohol (or drug) use may continue, too. That could lead to mental and physical problems and long-term dependence.

Make a routine.. Keep yourself busy. write lists of tasks to do every day. Find sorta like a sense of purpose. A goal for those trying to get past the stress of trauma is to create to a day-to-day schedule as soon as possible. Getting your groove can help you establish a sense of normalcy and regain a sense of control over your life.

Take.A.Step.Back. You can ease the stress of traumatic events by stepping back, taking stock of your life, and concentrating on what’s important. Strengthen bonds with family, friends, and community. Reassess personal goals and come up with a plan to reach them. Volunteer and give a little more to charity. All of these things can help overcome the stress of trauma.

Celebrate life. It’s important to realize that it’s OK to feel joy, to celebrate successes, and revel in the warmth of your family and friends even after a traumatic event. It’s all part of the road to recovery.

I know.. Sounds so easy but its easier said than done. I am not a professional by any means but this has helped me over time. Hope this helps :)