Harnessing the Darkness Within: Conquering Trauma, Body Memories, and the Haunting Triggers
Alright, buckle up and strap in, because we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of trauma and those damn body memories that come with it. No sugarcoating here; just the raw, unfiltered truth.
When you've been through some serious hell, like combat or dealing with a traumatic event, it's not just your mind that gets battered; it's your body, too. And it can be beaten to a bloody pulp, figuratively speaking of course. That's where these body memories creep in. They're like ghosts from the past, haunting your physical self. And they can mess you up big time.
So, what are these body memories, and why do they matter? Well, these sneaky bastards are like your body's way of reminding you that trauma left a mark, even on your flesh and bones. You might not consciously remember every detail, but your body sure as hell does. It stores the pain, the tension, the fear, all of it. And sometimes, it decides to remind you at the most inconvenient times. You know what I’m talking about; at the store, at work, in your dreams, when you see something on the side of the road.
Now, let's talk about how it feels when these body memories come crawling back. It's scary as hell, for one. You can feel like you're right back in that moment, reliving the nightmare. It can be crippling, too. Your body might tense up, your heart races, and you're on high alert, even when there's no actual danger.
And here's the kicker: it's not just in your head. It's real, and it's a pain in the ass. These body memories can mess with your sleep, your relationships, your daily life – everything. But guess what? You're not going nuts, you’re not, alone, and you're not weak for feeling this way. It's a normal part of the process.
So, how do you deal with these relentless reminders? Well, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some tools that can help. Grounding techniques, for example, can help you stay in the present when your body is stuck in the past. Deep breathing, mindfulness, or even just touching something physical can bring you back to reality. Yeah, I know, sounds stupid doesn’t it? But trust me, these are all things that really work to get you through the moment; consider them band-aids. But remember, they are not permanent solutions. If you are looking for that, there is more on that later.
Okay, so now, let's talk about these coping skills.
Deep Breathing: When those body memories hit, take a moment to focus on your breath. Inhale slowly and deeply, counting to four, hold it in for four, and then exhale for the same count. Repeat until you start to feel more grounded.
Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present by paying attention to your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the here and now? This can help break the hold of those intrusive memories.
Physical Activity: Exercise can be a powerful way to release tension and stress. Whether it's hitting the gym, going for a run, or even practicing yoga, physical activity can help you reconnect with your body in a positive way.
Relaxation Techniques: Try progressive muscle relaxation. Tense each muscle group and then release, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This can help your body let go of stored tension.
Creative Outlets: Channel your emotions and memories into creative activities like writing, art, or music. It can be a way to express what's inside without letting it consume you.
Self-Care: Don't underestimate the power of self-care. Take time for yourself, whether it's a hot bath, a good book, or spending time with loved ones.
Therapy: Consider starting therapy. Talking with someone who understands the complexity of body memories can be incredibly beneficial. More on this further down.
Support Network: Lean on your support network. Your fellow warriors, friends, and family can be there for you when you need them.
Education: Learn about trauma and how it affects the body. Understanding the science behind it can be empowering and help you gain more control because let’s face it, when this happens….we can feel like we have absolutely no control over the situation, our thoughts, our bodies. And it sucks!
Patience: Healing takes time. Don't rush the process, and don't beat yourself up. You're a warrior, and every step you take, no matter how small, is a victory.
Remember, these coping skills might not work the same way for everyone. It's about finding what works best for you. The important thing is not to let those body memories define you or hold you back. You've faced darkness before, and you're still here, stronger than ever. Keep fighting, keep pushing through, and remember, you're not alone in this battle.
So, there you have it – the dark, raw truth about body memories and trauma. They're a pain in the ass, no doubt about it, but you're a warrior. You've faced worse, and you're still standing. Keep fighting, keep pushing through, and remember, you're not alone in this battle.
For a more permanent solution, therapy is the long term game-changer. Talking about your experiences with someone who gets it and has the tools to treat trauma and PTSD, that’s where you begin to do the long term healing. That’s where I can help.If you are ready to explore more about Trauma Therapy or PTSD, you can find more on my website. If you are ready to start therapy, you can contact me at adrienne@strongselfpsychotherapy.com or 512-910-4097.
