I’m curious about how different experiences shape our paths to healing, especially when it comes to psychological shock. A while back, I found myself navigating a really overwhelming period after a traumatic event, and I want to share what helped me through it. Maybe it’ll resonate or spark a conversation for someone else.
The initial shock hit me like a freight train. I felt detached from everything around me, as if I was moving through a fog. It was hard to process what had happened, and I found myself constantly replaying the event in my mind. I think one of the first steps towards healing was acknowledging that response. I gave myself permission to feel the shock without judgment, which was tougher than I expected.
I remember talking to a close friend who really listened. Just having someone to share my feelings with made a world of difference. Sometimes, it’s all about creating a safe space to express what’s going on inside. I also started journaling—just writing down my thoughts without any filters. It felt freeing, like I was unpacking the chaos swirling around in my head.
Eventually, I sought professional help. I was hesitant at first; there’s always that inner voice questioning if I should just tough it out. But therapy became a lifeline. My therapist guided me through grounding techniques, which helped me reconnect with the present moment. Simple things like focusing on my breath or identifying what I could see, hear, and feel around me were surprisingly effective.
I also discovered the power of self-care. It sounds cliché, but taking time for myself—whether that was going for long walks in nature or immersing myself in a good book—helped me heal. It was about finding small joys, even when everything felt heavy.
I’m still on this journey, and I realize it’s not linear. Some days are better than others, and that’s okay. I’m learning that healing takes time, and it’s perfectly fine to take it one step at a time. I’d love to know if anyone else has gone through something similar. What strategies or practices have helped you cope? Let’s chat about it!
23 Likes
I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve been through something similar, and reading your post brings back a lot of those feelings. The way you described that initial shock is spot on—it really can feel like you’re stuck in a fog, unable to find your way back to clarity.
I totally relate to the process of giving yourself permission to feel. It sounds simple, but it’s such a monumental step toward healing. I remember when I was grappling with my own trauma, it felt like an uphill battle to stop judging myself for feeling overwhelmed. Finding that inner kindness is something I still work on daily.
Talking to a friend who really listens? That’s golden advice. There’s something incredibly powerful about expressing what’s inside. I had a similar experience with a close friend who simply sat with me, allowing me to vent without trying to “fix” everything. Just being heard can be so healing, right?
Journaling became a huge part of my healing too. It’s like having a conversation with yourself, where you can unpack all those jumbled thoughts that just swirl around in your mind. I found that sometimes I’d write things I didn’t even realize I was feeling—it was such an eye-opener.
And seeking professional help? Yeah, I hesitated too. There’s that voice telling you to just push through, but I learned that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Those grounding techniques you mentioned? They really helped me reconnect with the world around me
Hey there! I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve been through something similar, and it’s comforting to know that others navigate those overwhelming moments, too.
When I faced my own traumatic event, I felt that same fog you described. It was like being in a bubble where everything felt distant, and it took me a while to acknowledge what I was actually feeling. I remember giving myself a hard time for not just “getting over it,” but it sounds like you found a really important first step in allowing yourself to feel without judgment. That’s a big deal!
Talking to someone who listens can be such a game changer. I had a close friend who did the same for me, and I honestly think it played a huge role in my healing. It’s amazing how much lighter it feels just to share your thoughts with someone who truly hears you. Journaling was another tool I picked up as well—there’s something really therapeutic about putting pen to paper and getting the swirling thoughts out.
Seeking out therapy was a huge step for me too. I was hesitant at first, thinking I should be strong enough to handle it on my own. But my therapist offered me insights and techniques that I never would’ve thought to try. Grounding exercises became such a lifeline for me, too. Focusing on the here and now helped pull me out of that chaotic headspace.
And yes, self-care is often overlooked! I agree with you on that—taking those
What you’re describing really resonates with me. I remember going through a tough time myself after a significant loss a few years back. It felt like I was in this haze, too. I completely get that feeling of detachment; it can be so disorienting.
When I faced my own shock, giving myself permission to feel what I was feeling was a huge turning point, just like you mentioned. I think a lot of us tend to push those emotions aside, thinking we should just “tough it out.” But it’s so important to acknowledge what you’re experiencing—almost like giving yourself a gentle nudge to face the storm rather than trying to outrun it.
Talking to friends was also a lifeline for me. It’s incredible how much a listening ear can help us sort through the confusion. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re not alone in your feelings. I found that sharing didn’t just lighten my load; it helped me feel more connected. I even started choosing friends who were good listeners—sometimes just their presence made such a difference.
Journaling, wow, yes! That’s become a ritual for me. It’s like a brain dump that clears the clutter. I’ve found that writing allows me to explore thoughts that I wouldn’t normally say out loud. I often look back and discover patterns in my feelings that I hadn’t noticed before, which can be quite enlightening.
Seeking therapy was a big step for me, too. At first, I thought I should
Hey there,
I just wanted to say that I can really relate to what you’ve shared. I’ve been through some tough times myself, and I know that feeling of being hit by shock—it really does feel like you’re walking through a fog, doesn’t it? Acknowledging those feelings, like you mentioned, is such an important step. It’s surprising how much pressure we put on ourselves to just “get over it,” when all we really need is to let ourselves feel.
Talking to a close friend can be a game changer. It’s amazing how just having someone listen can lift so much weight off your shoulders. I remember one time, I was in a really dark place, and a friend just sat with me, letting me vent. It really reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this.
Journaling is such a powerful tool, too! I started doing it a few years back, and it’s like talking to a trusted friend—only that friend is me. There’s something about getting those chaotic thoughts out of your head and onto paper that makes them feel more manageable.
Therapy can feel intimidating at first, but it sounds like you found a good fit for yourself! Those grounding techniques are so effective. I still use some of them, especially when I feel my mind racing. Taking a moment to focus on my surroundings can really help me reset.
I totally agree with you about self-care, too. It can feel cliché, but it truly
What you’re describing reminds me of my own experiences navigating through difficult times. It’s so powerful that you’ve acknowledged the shock and allowed yourself to feel those emotions without judgment. That’s a big step that many people struggle with. I know I did when I faced my own challenges.
I can definitely relate to the fog you mentioned. There were moments in my life where everything felt heavy and confusing. Talking to a friend, like you did, can be such a lifeline. I remember reaching out to a buddy after a particularly tough time, and just being able to share my feelings felt like lifting a weight off my chest. It really does make a difference to have someone who listens without trying to fix things right away.
Journaling is another great tool! It’s like giving your thoughts a place to breathe. I found that writing helped me organize the chaos, too. Sometimes, the act of putting pen to paper can unveil insights that were just buried in the noise of our minds. Have you noticed any specific topics or thoughts that come up more when you write?
Seeking professional help is such a brave decision, and I’m glad to hear it’s been beneficial for you. Therapy can feel intimidating at first, but those grounding techniques you mentioned are fantastic. I’ve found mindfulness practices to be incredibly helpful as well—simply focusing on my breath can really bring me back to the moment.
It’s also so true that self-care isn’t just a cliché; it’s essential. I
Your experience really resonates with me—it’s incredible how life can throw us into such intense moments that completely shift our reality. I remember going through a similar phase not too long ago, where everything felt like a blur. That detachment you described sounds so familiar; it’s like the world moves on while you’re stuck in a haze.
I love how you mentioned the importance of acknowledging your feelings without judgment. That’s such a crucial step, yet it often feels so daunting. I found that giving myself permission to feel the weight of my emotions was liberating, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. It’s almost like we think we have to be strong all the time, but in truth, vulnerability can lead to profound healing.
Talking to a friend really does make a world of difference, doesn’t it? Having someone who truly listens can feel like a breath of fresh air. I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of friends who offered their ears (and hearts) during my tough times. Sometimes, just hearing someone say, “You’re not alone in this,” can help ease that isolating feeling.
Your journaling practice sounds amazing—what a beautiful way to unpack your thoughts. I’ve tried journaling too, and I found it to be a great release, almost like a dialogue with myself. It’s fascinating how putting pen to paper can clarify those chaotic thoughts.
And therapy! Wow, what a game changer. I was hesitant too, thinking I could just tough
Your experience reminds me of a time in my life when I faced a pretty overwhelming event. It’s like you described, that initial shock can feel like walking around in a fog. I remember feeling completely untethered, just trying to make sense of everything happening around me.
What strikes me is how you gave yourself permission to feel those emotions without judgment. I think that’s a crucial step that many of us overlook. I had a similar moment where I realized I was fighting against my feelings instead of allowing them to flow. It was like trying to hold back a wave—it just made everything worse.
Talking to friends can really be a lifeline, can’t it? I had a friend who helped me through my own tough moments. Just knowing there was someone there to listen made such a difference. It’s amazing how much lighter things can feel when we let it out, even if it’s just sharing our thoughts with someone who cares.
Journaling is another tool that I found incredibly helpful. I would often write in the early hours, letting my thoughts spill onto the page. It’s funny how those quiet moments can lead to such clarity. I think it’s great that you found that release too.
Seeking professional help took me a while, just like you. There’s always that voice telling us to tough it out. But once I took that step, it was transformative. The grounding techniques you mentioned were game changers for me too. I still catch myself focusing on my breath during stressful moments—it
Hey there,
I really appreciate you sharing your experience. It takes a lot of courage to open up about something so personal, and I think it’s amazing that you’re focusing on how different strategies have helped you heal.
I can relate to that feeling of being hit by an emotional freight train. It’s wild how overwhelming it can be—like everything just freezes for a moment. Acknowledging that shock without judgment is such a profound step, though. It’s like giving yourself permission to just be, even when it feels impossible. I’ve found that being gentle with myself during tough times has made a big difference as well.
Talking to a friend who listens is one of the best things you can do. It sounds like you’ve found a solid support system. I’ve had similar experiences where just sharing my thoughts out loud takes a huge weight off my chest. It’s reassuring to know we’re not alone in this, right?
Journaling is a game changer too! I started doing it recently, and it’s incredible how freeing it feels to just let the words flow without worrying about what they sound like. It’s like you’re taking back some control over the chaos.
And I totally get the hesitation around seeking therapy. It took me some time to realize that asking for help is actually a sign of strength. Those grounding techniques sound super helpful—I’ve been trying some mindfulness exercises myself, and they help me stay present too.
Self-care can feel cliché, but I think
What you’re describing really resonates with me. I’ve had my own experiences with overwhelming moments, and it’s wild how much they can shift our perspective on life. The way you acknowledged your feelings without judgment is such a powerful step. I think a lot of us struggle with that—feeling like we need to just “tough it out” instead of giving ourselves permission to feel what’s happening.
Talking to a friend can really be a game-changer. It’s incredible how simply sharing our thoughts can lighten that heavy feeling, almost like we’re not carrying the weight alone anymore. I’ve found that when I open up, it not only helps me but sometimes even encourages the other person to share their own experiences, which creates this amazing bond.
Your journaling idea is so cool! I’ve tried it myself, and it really feels like a way to clear the clutter in your mind. Sometimes, just getting those thoughts down can reveal patterns or feelings I didn’t even realize I had. It’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, right?
Seeking professional help is such a brave step, and it sounds like it’s made a significant impact for you. Therapy has been a lifeline for me as well. Those grounding techniques can really pull you back into the moment, can’t they? It’s surprising how much just focusing on your breath or the sensations around you can help when everything feels like it’s spiraling.
I totally agree with you about self-care. It might sound cliché,
Hey there,
I can really relate to what you’re saying about the overwhelming nature of psychological shock. It’s like being stuck in a whirlwind, and it’s hard to find your footing again. I remember a time in my life when things felt just as chaotic. Giving ourselves permission to feel those intense emotions is such a crucial step, but I get how hard that can be.
It’s great that you found a friend who could listen. There’s something so healing about simply being heard—like the weight of all those feelings starts to lift just a little. I’ve had moments where talking things out has made me realize that I’m not alone in my experience. Did you find that your friend offered any insights, or was it just the space to vent that helped?
Journaling sounds like a fantastic outlet. I’ve tried that too, and it’s interesting how putting pen to paper can clarify feelings that feel all jumbled in our heads. It’s almost like you’re having a conversation with yourself. Have you ever gone back to read what you’ve written? Sometimes I find it eye-opening to see how far I’ve come.
Seeking professional help is such a brave step, and I totally understand the hesitation you mentioned. It’s like we often feel like we should be able to handle everything on our own, but having that guidance can really change the game. Grounding techniques, especially focusing on the senses, can be so powerful. I’ve found myself doing similar things, like taking a moment
That sounds really challenging, and I want you to know that what you’ve shared resonates deeply with me. Navigating through such overwhelming emotions can feel like being tossed in a storm, and it’s brave of you to open up about your experience—it really helps to shine a light on what many of us go through in silence.
I completely relate to that feeling of detachment after trauma. It’s like you’re living in a world that feels almost unreal, and you’re just trying to make sense of it all. Acknowledging those feelings is such a powerful step. I remember when I first allowed myself to sit with my own feelings of shock and confusion—what a relief it was to realize I didn’t have to hold it all together right away.
I’m so glad to hear that talking to a friend helped. There’s something incredibly healing about having someone who really listens. It’s like they provide a lifeline back to reality, grounding you in the moment. Have you found any specific topics or moments that spark deeper conversations with friends? Sometimes those unexpected chats lead to the most profound insights.
Journaling is another tool that I’ve turned to, and I love how you described it as a way to unpack chaos. It can be so freeing, right? I often find that when I get my thoughts onto paper, it helps me gain clarity. Have you noticed any particular themes or patterns in what you write? That can sometimes offer surprising revelations about what’s really going on inside.
As for
Your experience reminds me of a time when I faced a sudden upheaval that left me feeling like I was walking through life in a daze. It’s so powerful that you’ve shared how acknowledging your feelings was an early step for you. That permission to feel without judgment is something I think many of us overlook, especially when we’re conditioned to think we should just “tough it out.”
Talking to a close friend is such a game changer, isn’t it? I remember one night, I opened up to a buddy about what I was going through, and just hearing him listen—really listen—was like lifting a weight off my shoulders. It’s incredible how that connection can create a safe space for healing. Have you found that certain friends are more receptive to these deeper conversations?
Journaling also helped me during my rough patches. I’d pour out my thoughts in a way that felt raw and real, and it somehow made the chaos feel a little more manageable. It’s interesting how writing can serve as a mirror to our thoughts, reflecting things we might not even realize we’re holding onto.
Seeking professional help was a crucial step for me too. It’s so easy to dismiss that inner voice that tells us we should handle everything ourselves. Your mention of grounding techniques resonates with me—sometimes, just taking a moment to breathe and reconnect with my surroundings can be so grounding. Have you tried any specific techniques that you’ve found particularly helpful?
And yes, self-care may sound cliché, but
Your experience reminds me of a time when I faced something similar, and it really struck a chord with me. The way you describe the initial shock and feeling like you were moving through a fog is so relatable. It can be incredibly isolating to grapple with those feelings, and it’s amazing that you found ways to navigate through that.
I totally get what you mean about giving yourself permission to feel. It’s almost like we’re conditioned to just power through, but acknowledging those feelings is such a crucial step. I remember when I began journaling as well. At first, it felt a bit strange to put my thoughts down, but like you said, it’s liberating to just let it all spill out without any filters.
Talking to a friend can really change everything, can’t it? It’s surprising how just having someone listen without judgment can lift that weight off your shoulders. I found that too; sometimes, just knowing someone else is in your corner makes a world of difference.
Seeking professional help was another big leap for me, just as it was for you. I had that voice in my head whispering doubts, but once I took that step, it opened up so many avenues for healing. Grounding techniques have been a game-changer for me as well. It’s ironic how simple things like focusing on your breath can ground you when your mind is racing.
Self-care, though it might sound cliché, really is essential. Finding those small joys amidst the chaos can be such
Hey there,
I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve been through something similar, and I can totally relate to that feeling of being in a fog after a traumatic event. The way you described it hitting you like a freight train brought back memories of my own journey. Acknowledging those feelings without judgment is no small feat—it’s so easy to get caught up in thinking we should just “get over it.”
Talking to a close friend was a game-changer for me too. There’s something incredibly healing about having someone who genuinely listens. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles, which can be so comforting. I love that you mentioned journaling as well. It’s like holding up a mirror to our thoughts, and it can be so cathartic to let it all out on paper. I found that writing down my feelings often helped clarify what I was experiencing in my mind, too.
Seeking professional help is a brave step, and I’m glad to hear it became a lifeline for you. It’s often tough to overcome that inner voice telling us to tough it out. I think we all need a little guidance sometimes—those grounding techniques you mentioned can be incredibly powerful. I still practice some of those myself, and it’s amazing how quickly they can pull us back to the present.
Self-care is often overlooked but so vital. I’ve found that engaging in activities that bring me joy—like spending time outdoors or diving into a good book—has made a significant
This resonates with me because I’ve also felt that overwhelming fog after a traumatic experience. It’s almost like the world suddenly becomes muted, and you’re just trying to find your footing again. I think you nailed it when you talked about giving yourself permission to feel that shock. It’s so easy to push those feelings down and just assume we should be “over it,” but acknowledging those emotions is a huge step.
Talking to a friend can be a game-changer, can’t it? I remember reaching out to a buddy of mine after a tough time, and just hearing him listen made me feel less isolated. It’s amazing how powerful that connection can be. And journaling? I’m with you on that. It’s like having a conversation with yourself, where you can spill everything out without worrying about how it sounds. I’ve found it really helps to clarify my thoughts, especially when things feel chaotic.
Seeking professional help is such a brave step. I felt the same hesitation initially, questioning if I could just handle things on my own. But I’ve learned that having someone guide you through those grounding techniques makes a world of difference. It’s those little moments, like focusing on your breath, that can really bring you back to the here and now.
Self-care often gets tossed around like a buzzword, but I think it’s so vital. Finding those small joys is key, even when it feels like there’s an emotional weight dragging you down. I’ve taken up hiking in my local area
Your experience truly resonates with me. It’s incredible how our minds react to trauma and how common those feelings of detachment can be. I remember a time in my life when I felt like I was floating through everything, almost like I was watching myself from the outside. That fog you mentioned? It can be so disorienting, can’t it?
I think it’s such a powerful step to give ourselves permission to feel what we’re feeling. I often find that I try to push through tough emotions, thinking it’ll help me get back to “normal” faster. But acknowledging that shock and allowing it to exist without judgment is something I’ve learned takes real strength. It sounds like you were really brave in doing that.
Talking to a friend can be such a lifeline, and it’s amazing how just having someone listen can lighten the load. I had a similar experience when I opened up to a friend after a difficult period. It felt like I was shedding a weight I didn’t even know I was carrying. I also turned to journaling during those times—it’s funny how putting pen to paper can sort out the tangled thoughts in our minds. It’s like giving voice to the chaos, isn’t it?
I completely understand the hesitation about seeking professional help. For so long, I thought I should just handle things on my own, but I found that therapy was a game-changer for me as well. Those grounding techniques you mentioned are so helpful; I still use them, especially
Hey there,
First off, thanks for being brave enough to share your experience. I’ve been through something similar, and your words really resonate with me. That feeling of shock can be so disorienting—it’s like the world flips upside down, and you’re left trying to find your footing again.
I remember when I faced a tough situation, I too felt that heavy fog. It’s amazing how acknowledging those feelings can be such a game changer. Giving yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling is so important, but it’s definitely easier said than done. I admire how you navigated that.
Talking to a friend was huge for me as well. It’s comforting to know that someone is listening without judgment, right? There’s something about sharing our burdens that lightens the load, even if just a little. Journaling sounds like a powerful outlet, too. I’ve found that writing can really help us sort through the chaos, almost like it creates a roadmap out of confusion.
And oh man, seeking professional help was a big step for me, too. I totally get that hesitance—like, why should I need help? But once I took that leap, it became clear how much I needed that guidance. Those grounding techniques sound effective, especially when life feels overwhelming. I love that you highlighted the small joys as well. It’s incredible how nature or a good book can serve as an anchor when everything feels heavy.
Your insight about healing not being linear is spot on
That sounds really challenging, and I want you to know that your experience is both valid and deeply relatable. Traumatic events can leave us feeling like we’re in a fog, and just acknowledging that feeling is such a huge step in the healing process. I admire how you gave yourself permission to feel without judgment; that can be so hard to do.
It’s interesting how much of a difference it can make to have someone truly listen. I remember going through a tough time myself, and it was a close friend who really let me talk without trying to fix things. Just having that safe space for expression can be so healing, right? It’s like, in those moments, the weight of it all doesn’t feel as heavy when someone else is holding some of it with you.
Journaling is another powerful tool! I’ve found it can be almost like a dialogue with yourself, which helps in untangling those chaotic thoughts. I’m glad you found that freeing. It’s amazing how writing can clear the mental clutter, allowing us to see things a little more clearly.
Seeking professional help is such a brave move, and it sounds like it really paid off for you. Grounding techniques can feel a bit simple, but I totally get how they can reconnect you to the present. It’s like a little anchor in the storm. I often remind myself to take a moment to focus on my surroundings too, especially if things start to feel overwhelming.
And self-care—yes! It might seem cliché, but
Your experience reminds me of a time not too long ago when I faced a similar wave of overwhelming emotions after a significant life event. It’s incredible how trauma can make everything feel so surreal, like you’re just floating through your own life without really being present. The way you described that fog—oh, I can completely relate to that feeling.
I love how you emphasized the importance of giving yourself permission to feel. I remember struggling with that too; it’s almost like we have this internal checklist of how we should be handling situations. But allowing ourselves to experience those heavy emotions without judgment is such a crucial step. It sounds like you found a beautiful balance in sharing your thoughts with your friend—there’s something so cathartic about having someone genuinely listen.
Journaling, oh my goodness, has been my sanctuary as well! I find it fascinating how just putting pen to paper can clear out so much mental clutter. It’s like you’re having a conversation with yourself, and it can provide such clarity. I often look back at my entries and am surprised at how much growth has happened over time, even if it felt like I was standing still.
Seeking professional help is such a brave step, and I’m glad you found that lifeline. Therapy can feel daunting at first; I remember my own hesitations. But those grounding techniques you mentioned—wow, they can really anchor you in moments of chaos. I still practice some of them today, especially when anxiety creeps