Dealing with prolonged emotional trauma

I never thought it would be so hard to cope with the lingering emotional trauma I have been living with. Some days, it feels like a crushing weight is pressing down on my chest, making it hard to breathe or focus on anything else. Other times, it’s like I’m stuck in a dark hole and can’t seem to reach the surface.

I often yearn for someone to talk to about my feelings. But it seems difficult for me to find the words and even harder for me to share them with others. I know that acknowledging and accepting my emotions are part of healing from this trauma but at times this can feel insurmountable.

What has helped me lately is self-reflection and turning inward. Taking some moments throughout the day, even if they’re just a few minutes of listening to calming music or writing my thoughts in a journal, brings solace. Knowing that I can still reach moments of calm within myself helps me remain hopeful that things will get better with time.

It’s OK not to be OK sometimes, and healing takes its own course - there are no shortcuts here! It may be slow going but eventually we all will find our way on this difficult journey we call life.

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Hey there,
I can really relate to what you’re going through. I’m 37 and have suffered from some form of emotional trauma myself. It’s a difficult road, but it doesn’t have to feel like an impossible one. What has been helpful for me is carving out some time for self-reflection and nurture - taking a few minutes each day (even when it feels like too much) to just be with my feelings and accept them as they are. Listening to calming music or writing my thoughts in a journal are activities that I find particularly helpful in grounding me in the present moment and feeling more connected with myself.

It’s OK not to have all the answers right away - it’s good to give yourself permission to take your time with healing and acceptance. The most important thing is that you keep working towards finding balance, no matter how long it takes. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything I can do!

I totally understand what it is like to experience emotional trauma and try to cope with it. It can feel so heavy and overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone - many of us have been through something similar, myself included.

I think it is great that you are trying to take moments throughout your day for self-reflection and to reconnect with yourself - there’s no greater gift than learning how to find peace and solace within. I encourage you to give yourself permission to acknowledge your feelings at the times when they are hard or confusing. Allow them, without judgment or expectations. Even if we don’t know exactly why we feel a certain way right in that moment, just being aware of it can help us move on from it faster. It may also be beneficial to talk out your feelings with someone who will listen non-judgmentally, whether a friend or even a professional therapist if needed.

Above all, keep in mind that healing doesn’t happen overnight; we all have our own path and pace in life, unique from anyone else’s. You definitely don’t need to take shortcuts; rather focus on taking tiny paused steps forward until things start looking brighter over time!