The un-sung side effect of trauma
- Locked due to inactivity on Apr 29, '22 3:54am
Thread Topic: The un-sung side effect of trauma
-
Trauma is a term that others often gatekeep. Many people have the false assumption that is is reserved only for those with severe experiences. I'd like to dispell that notion in saying that all humans experience trauma.
Trauma isn't always flashbacks and outbursts. Trauma exists on a spectrum and can manifest in many ways. If you believe you or a loved one might be dealing with an untreated trauma disorder don't hesitate to reach other for help. There are a lot of resources online to help you understand your emotions and find proper care.
Remember, your symptoms are a normal reactions to an abnormal event or circumstances.
One of the symptoms of trauma that is rarely mentioned is the dilution of interests. Lack of interest in things you previously loved is an side effect commonly associated with depression, but the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, sometimes depression is brought on by that said lack of interest. You can live a totally normal feeling life and ask yourself every single day why don't I have the motivation to do anything anymore. It can be extremely frustrating, especially when you feel there is no end in sight. Waking up every day, staring at something that previously brought you so much joy, and having no ability to bring yourself to enjoy it. It can make you feel broken. You might wonder if you will ever be able to enjoy it again. I'm here to tell you that it can.
No one controls your healing journey other than you. What takes some people months might take others years and that's okay. There is no one way to deal with trauma. I'd like to talk about one treatment option that you can do by yourself for no money and the psychological study it's based off of.
Interactive Metronome Therapy
Trauma from a physical level, is simply information that your brain does not know how to file away properly. When your mind doesn't know what to do with information you can get stuck with negative loops of side effects.
Interactive therapy metronome bases it's techniques off exactly what it sounds like. You watch or use repetitive movements, often a metronome, while actively thinking about or discussing the events related to your trauma and how they affected you. IM therapy works because the physical act of repeating a motion over and over helps your mind file away traumatic memories.
Some ways you you perform this therapy in your day to day life include pacing, completing monotonous tasks like sorting, going for the same walk every day, or swinging. Just commit yourself to repeating the same actions every time you go to think about your trauma and it can help you cope with it. Just be sure whatever action you chose does not have the potential for you to hurt yourself if you reach a trigger.
I know that was a lot to read, but just give yourself space and don't be angry with your body for not healing as fast as you'd like it to. Be kind to yourself and recognize your triggers. I am not a licenced psychologist, so if you're experiencing trauma be sure to talk to your doctor about what treatment options work best for you. This is merely my understanding of extensive research done in the field + my own anecdotal experiences with trauma. -
Interesting….
-
i actually agree that people should stop gatekeeping it, it doesnt actually have to be some big severe thing to be traumatic to a person. and i also want to say thank you for the explanation of IM therapy, it sounds really nice and i might try it so thanks /gen
This thread is locked, therefore no new posts can be made.