People from all walks of life have struggled, in some form or another, with damaged emotions or hurt pride. They've endured negativity through poor self-talk or others' words and actions, causing damage that must be dealt with. Too often, these feelings are suppressed to make them go away.
Whether you’ve experienced trauma from a divorce or relationship breakup, losing a job, losing a friendship, or substance abuse, you may begin to feel numb, disconnected, and lose trust in others.
The good news is there is hope. Those searching for emotional healing can take some essential steps to finally begin healing and move on with a healthy mindset.
Face the truth
The first step toward achieving positive emotional health is to face the truth. Living in denial and pretending certain events didn’t happen will never free you. When you have a negative or traumatic memory that persists, examine it. For instance, what caused the event? Was it certain words, a fight, or another situation? More importantly, ask what you can learn from the experience.
A helpful way to examine bad experiences is to write them down on paper. Write down these things, such as how you feel and what you think the problem may be. Keep a detailed journal, jotting down these memories for a few weeks, then look over it for patterns and clues.
Accept support
When you are on the healing journey, connecting with loved ones or other people who have been through similar situations is essential. Avoid isolating yourself. Surrounding yourself with those who support, love, and respect is critical to the healing process.
If you have developed unhealthy self-talk from your trauma, replace those thoughts with a positive experience or place instead. While changing behaviors and improving emotional health is up to you, a robust support system of friends and loved ones can only encourage you.
Seek help from trained professionals.
It’s never a bad idea to seek professional guidance from a trained therapist or life coach. You may wish to attend individual or group therapy or seek the help of someone trained in emotional trauma.
There are also self-help courses designed to teach you procedures and techniques for obtaining self-fulfillment. For instance, during an intensive three-day course, Landmark Forum reviews ways to bring about positive, permanent shifts in its participants’ lives. These shifts are intended to improve the quality of your relationships, bring about confidence in how you live your life, and help you on your journey to emotional well-being.
When you’ve experienced an emotional trauma, it can be hard to allow yourself to heal. With determination and willingness to take the proper steps, you’ll be on your way to healing and experiencing new levels of joy.
