Thoughts On This?

[Hashi]

Thanks. I just googled it.

There's nothing to suggest it's trauma-specific, that I could see. To me, it's too simplistic for a trauma context. I think that's why the wording's problematic - "revisit", "courage" etc. In particular, the counterpart of "unresolved" trauma isn't for the past to go away. For some of us, wanting it go away has been exactly why it's still unresolved. For some, ideas about revisiting all of the pain have meant staying stuck or getting retraumatised.

I think it's inadequate for what's involved in healing, and the wording's not a good fit, but then I'm not sure it's about trauma anyway.

 

[cherryblossom]

How are we supposed to know what is best at first?

I don't want to take this thread too far off topic, and I can only talk from my experience but I think firstly you need a stable life. By that I mean a roof over your head, food on the table, and real-life support. Reduce your stress to the lowest you can, without causing further stress. Then find a trauma therapist, and build up your relationship. Learn all you can about about grounding techniques and relaxation. Then work on self-care. Once your life is as stable as possible, and as stress-free as possible, begin to work on processing your trauma.

Processing is hell. I can't think of a better way to describe it. For me, it was 12 months of hell. The important thing is to believe in the process and accept that things will get a hell of a lot worse before they get better. But they will get better. You really do have to accept that during the processing you will feel like shit, and not react to it - by not following any self harm or suicidal urges.

During trauma therapy, you really have to find a belief that things will improve.

Getting some stability, routine and self- care in your life is the first major step. Understanding that at some point trauma needs to be revisited in order to move on is the next step. Then, seek to process your trauma.

Honestly, I'm not sure if how I did it is the best way, but it's how I eventually figured out how to tackle PTSD.