Healing from trauma is something that no one should have to do alone. And luckily, many people are choosing to seek help for their recovery. According to recent studies, nearly one in every six adults in the United States has started therapy in the last year.
You don’t have to know how to heal from trauma. There are plenty of licensed professionals who are ready to help you find the right treatment program for you.
Whether you’re thinking about attending a holistic therapy retreat or more traditional talk therapy but aren’t sure if you really need professional help, keep reading. We’ve outlined the main indicators that you should seek professional help. Some may surprise you!
1. A Decline in School or Work Performance
One of the first things that starts to suffer when we don’t seek help after trauma is our work or school performance. Unaddressed trauma can lead to depression, which can present as difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and a lack of sleep.
As your grades drop or your work performance starts to suffer, you’ll start to notice the external effects of trauma. Consequences at school or work will only serve to make it more difficult to heal and recover.
2. You’re Feeling Abnormally Overwhelmed
Our minds typically do a wonderful job of fielding our emotions and helping us keep them in check. But sometimes, particularly when healing from childhood trauma, our minds are so focused on other things that our emotions become overwhelming.
Even if you don’t think you’re dealing with intense emotions, you could be mentally overwhelmed and exhausted. This can hurt your ability to think or act rationally. Performing your normal daily routine can become difficult.
Attending an intensive therapy retreat could be the perfect thing to help you handle this onslaught of emotions. By getting out of your daily routine and into an environment built for healing, you’re relieving some of that overwhelm.
3. A Disruption in Your Sleep Habits
The depression and other mental health issues that can arise after a traumatic event can cause your sleeping habits to change. Some people develop insomnia while others have difficulty waking up regardless of how long they slept.
Getting good rest is a critical part of healing from any wound, whether it’s physical or emotional. When you’re deprived of sleep, you’ll become more emotional, irritable, and prone to negative thought cycles that could be dangerous.
On the other hand, being tired all the time has its own ill effects. When you can’t focus, your school and work will start to suffer. You’ll lose valuable time to be with the people you love. This can create a cascade of more of the effects discussed above.
4. Relationships are Difficult to Maintain
It’s easy to forget how much mental and emotional work goes into maintaining meaningful relationships. But when we’re in the middle of processing trauma, all of our resources are already used up just trying to survive. Naturally, relationships can be a struggle.
You need all of the support and love you can get. Seeking therapy can help give you the tools you need to maintain your relationships so you can continue to get that unconditional love and support.
Therapy can even help teach you how to navigate relationships and set firm boundaries for your continued mental health.
5. Your Anxiety is Uncontrollable
Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and it’s our body’s way of telling us that we need to be careful or cautious. But when anxiety runs rampant and unchecked, you’re stuck in that state of panic all the time. There’s a long list of the negative physical effects of constant, uncontrolled anxiety.
A therapist will be able to help you dissect your anxious thoughts and learn how to cope with them. They’ll give you other tools and things to try, possibly yoga or meditation, to help relieve the effects of this long-term stress.
6. You’re Feeling a Sense of Hopelessness
Recovering from trauma and feeling hopelessness are closely linked. When you’re in the thick of a mental health crisis, it feels like there is no escape for you, no matter where you turn.
But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You don’t have to do this alone.
Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness can lead to intrusive thoughts, like suicidal ideation, that could be dangerous if left untreated.
7. Your Hobbies are a Drain
A healthy person uses their hobbies as a way to escape from the stress of their daily lives. Hobbies are how we find enrichment, make connections with others, and expand the skills that keep our brains busy.
But someone who is coping with trauma often finds that the things they used to love now drain them of energy instead. There’s no joy in their hobbies. If anything, they want to put them away for good.
This is a serious sign that you’re struggling with depression or other mental health issues.
8. Recent or Resurfacing Trauma or Loss
Lastly, if you are dealing with a recent or resurfacing trauma in your life, you should seek therapy as soon as possible. Trauma, especially childhood trauma, is a complicated issue that can take years to unpack and treat.
Remember, even if you feel okay after experiencing a traumatic event, seeking professional help is still a good idea. Our bodies do a great job of making us feel like we’re handling everything fine, even when we’re not. Don’t let your mental health spiral until you’re in serious distress before seeking help.
Healing From Trauma? We’re Here to Help
As you can see, healing from trauma is a complicated thing that can overwhelm nearly every aspect of your life. But you don’t have to do it on your own. Therapeutic retreats, talk therapy, and even in-patient treatment are all available to help you get your life back.
Don’t let trauma keep you from living a fulfilling life. You deserve the opportunity to heal.
For more information about intensive therapy retreats to help you in your journey of recovery, contact us today.