Understanding Family-Induced Emotional Stress
Dealing with trauma from a family member is tough. Get help from a therapist, set boundaries or distance yourself from the family member, and prioritize your safety and mental health. Remember, you’re not alone – there are resources to aid in your recovery.
I'm resolved to keep moving on and not let my past define me in spite of all the obstacles I must overcome. I'm gradually learning how to deal with my mental health problems and process my trauma through counseling and medicines. Even though it can be a drawn-out and challenging process, I'm determined to become well and discover inner peace. In spite of my challenges, I am confident that I have the strength to move past my history and lead a satisfying life.
Strategies to Empower Mental Health
Helpful strategies for recovery from trauma
Trauma and families
Some things you can do to reduce complications and support family recovery include:
- Remember that recovery takes time.
- Don’t just focus on the problems.
- Keep communicating.
- Plan regular time out and maintain activities you enjoyed before – even if you don’t much feel like it.
- Keep track of your family’s progress in recovery and what has been achieved.
- Stay positive and encouraging, even if at times, everyone needs to talk about their fears and worries.
Written by: Victoria State Department
Visit Better Health Channel to Learn More6 types of therapy for childhood trauma
Childhood trauma: 3 steps to start healing
There are several types of adulthood therapy to help treat childhood trauma.
** Cognitive behavioral therapy
**Psychodynamic therapy
**Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
**Narrative exposure therapy (NET)
**Prolonged exposure therapy
**Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Written by: Alexia Roncero
Visit BetterUp to Learn MoreChildhood trauma: 3 steps to start healing
The effects of childhood trauma may seem like they can’t be cured. But with the right approach, you can overcome childhood trauma and learn to cope.
1. Recognize the trauma
The adult must acknowledge this certain childhood experience as trauma. It’s this first step of coming to terms with how the trauma has affected them — and accepting that it’s OK. This will help them give meaning to their current difficulties and make sense of their struggles.
2. Be patient with yourself
Self-criticism and guilt can be very common when it comes to adults who have lived through a traumatic childhood. Some people may ask: Why do I act this way? What’s wrong with me? I could have dealt with this in a better way. These thought patterns can lead to hopelessness and frustration.
The key here is to stop and think: you were not responsible for what happened. Your childhood trauma has left a scar — and you’re trying your best to heal. But just like all wounds, it’s important to take the time to heal correctly. Be patient and loving with yourself. Treat yourself like you would a best friend.
3. Reach out for help
Rely on loved ones for emotional support and understanding. In these cases, one of the key components is feeling heard, understood, and validated.
Especially with childhood trauma, one can often feel alone and isolated. It’s common to feel like no one will understand or empathize. But in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If we give people the chance, they can become a great support system for us.
We must not forget the importance of seeking help from a mental health professional who is trained in trauma treatment. A clinician can help heal these deep wounds to improve relationships. They can also help identify unhealthy patterns and coping mechanisms — and improve your mental fitness.
Written by: Alexia Roncero
Visit BetterUp to Learn MoreHow To Leave The Pain of Childhood Trauma Behind
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
The Impact of Family Trauma
The effects of family trauma can be far-reaching, particularly for children who are often the most vulnerable. Understanding the symptoms and seeking professional help can make a significant difference in the healing process.
Symptoms of Family Trauma in Children
Children who experience family trauma may exhibit a range of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. These can include:
Emotional Distress
Regressive Behaviors
Physical Symptoms
Academic Challenges
Behavioral Problems
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn MoreAsk for Help
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
You can reach out to get support from friends or trusted family members who aren’t the cause of the trauma. You can also work on this process on your own. Another option is to find a therapist or join a therapy group where you would find connection with others who have experienced similar trauma.
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn MoreEmpowerment & Validation in Mental Health
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
Feeling empowered and validated are important steps in healing from trauma. Take control and realize that you are the only one who can heal you from the trauma.
- Stop Victimizing Yourself: After trauma occurs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you are a victim. You have been hurt and need to heal, but you don’t want to suffer forever and have people pity you. Instead, take control and stay responsible for your actions and thoughts. Continue sharing your story with trusted people and resist the temptation to hide your past.
- Forgiveness and Trust: There's a common fear that by forgiving the past, you'll allow the same people to hurt you again. However, this is only a fear and doesn't have to be your reality. You are in control and can set boundaries to prevent more traumas from happening. One of the best ways to establish trust is to have clear boundaries and guidelines. Only you can decide what you allow into your life as an adult. You're no longer a vulnerable child who is stuck being controlled by family or others. You get to decide who enters and stays in your life today.
- Shame and Guilt: you can’t stop shame by hiding from it. A therapist can work with you on your feelings of shame, so it doesn’t stop you from enjoying your life. However, you have to take the first step and talk about it. It takes a ton of vulnerability but you have to choose to step into that space.
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn More8 Reasons Why You Should Face Your Trauma
Facing trauma head-on can be difficult, but it is an essential step in healing. Here’s why:
You’ll gain insight: Facing your trauma can help you understand why the event occurred and how it has impacted your life, and this can help you make sense of your experience.
It can help you understand your emotions: Facing your trauma can help you better recognize your emotions and why you feel them as you reflect on your experiences, behaviors, and reactions.
It can help you to process your trauma: Facing your trauma can help you to deal with it in a healthy way rather than avoiding it or suppressing it. This can help you to get through the recovery process with greater clarity and self-care.
It will allow you to heal and move on: Facing your trauma can be difficult, but it can also be a necessary step in the healing process. It is the first step towards recovery and moving on with your life to find peace, joy, and happiness.
You’ll gain control: By facing your trauma, you can gain control over your emotions and reactions to the event, and this can help you feel more empowered.
It can help you to find support: Facing your trauma can help you find support from friends, family, and professionals, which can be invaluable in your healing journey.
You will build resilience: Facing your trauma can help you build stability and strength, and this can help you cope with difficult situations you may encounter throughout life.
It will help prevent future trauma: Facing your trauma can help you recognize and avoid situations that could lead to future trauma, which can help you stay safe and healthy.
Remember that trauma is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a normal response to an abnormal event, and it’s important to seek help when needed. Facing your trauma can be difficult and daunting but it can also be an important step in the healing process.
Written by: Beach Side Recovery Center Staff
Visit Beach Side Recovery Center to Learn More
3 steps to help overcome childhood trauma
Childhood trauma: 3 steps to start healing
But with the right approach, you can overcome childhood trauma and learn to cope.
The effects of childhood trauma may seem like they can't be cured. But with the right approach, you can overcome childhood trauma and learn to cope.
1. Recognize the trauma.
2. Be patient with yourself.
3. Reach out for help.
Written by: Alexia Roncero
Visit BetterUp to Learn MoreWhat is Trauma?
Trauma does not heal in a linear process. Trauma healing is not a ‘one size fits all’ nor does it just go away and never return. One of the goals of trauma healing is to reduce the symptomologies, reactivity/reactions, visceral ailments, and negative core beliefs (shame-based beliefs/pride-based identities) that are preventing an individual from living a whole-hearted, connected, healthy life.
Written by: BeachWay Therapy Center Staff
Visit Beachway Therapy Center to Learn MoreHow To Leave The Pain of Childhood Trauma Behind
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
Understanding Family Trauma
What is Family Trauma?
Family trauma refers to any distressing event or series of events that cause significant emotional pain and disrupt the harmony within a family. This type of trauma can manifest in numerous ways, affecting the mental health and emotional stability of family members.
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn MoreHow To Leave The Pain of Childhood Trauma Behind
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
Understanding Family Trauma
Family trauma can arise from a variety of situations, each leaving its own mark on the individuals involved. Some common causes include:
Abuse
Neglect
Loss
Domestic Violence
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Recognizing these causes is crucial in understanding the roots of family trauma and taking steps towards healing.
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn MoreEstablish a Routine with Coping Mechanisms
How to Heal from Family Trauma: Leaving the Pain Behind
Think about things that you enjoy doing (like drinking a morning coffee, reading, and socializing) in addition to the things you have to do (like working, house chores, and personal hygiene) to put together a consistent daily or weekly routine that works for you every day.
There are several things you can do throughout the day and every day to help you feel better, such as:
Find a hobby or activity that lets you focus on other things. It should be an activity that also allows for some fun. For example, painting and cooking are great options.
Consider writing in a journal or use another form of creative expression. Many survivors of trauma find that keeping a journal helps them gather their thoughts and work through issues.
Stay in the moment and try to enjoy the present. It's easy to let your mind drift and relive the past trauma. Instead, practice mindfulness and living in the current moment. You don't want to miss out on the present by always thinking about the past.
Find relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, bubble baths, or exercise. You want to heal both your body and your mind, so relaxing activities are essential. Experiment with different techniques until you find your favorite.
Written by: The Team at Sunshine City Counseling
Visit Sunshine City to Learn MoreFor additional details, visit our blog. It is frequently updated with articles covering a diverse array of subjects, including mental health, mental illness, nutrition, and art therapy techniques such as pyrography.
Whether you seek advice on enhancing your mental well-being, wish to understand various therapeutic approaches, or are looking for creative ways to integrate art into your self-care practices, our blog caters to all interests.
Stay informed and empowered by regularly exploring the extensive knowledge and resources available. Become part of our community of individuals committed to fostering mental wellness and healing through education and creativity.