The Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes individual trauma as an “Event or circumstances resulting in physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm. Research has shown that traumatic experiences are associated with both behavioral health and chronic physical health conditions, especially those traumatic events that occur during childhood”. For more information go to: www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence
In my book, I describe events in my childhood and young adulthood that caused an enormous amount of suffering. During my early 50s, I faced my trauma and allowed the bottled-up feelings to surface. I must confess I would much rather have a root canal than expose the inner turmoil I felt for a long time. I worked with a therapist for several months. I began to hope that my past abuse and associated feelings about it could be managed.
Fast forward to today. A few weeks ago a family friend died at the age of 82. My father decided that he was driving to the funeral which meant a return trip to my childhood Village. I contemplated whether to attend or not. I noticed my stomach becoming upset, I felt anxious and ambivalent. I sat with my feelings for a few days confused why I felt the way I did. Suddenly during my exercise routine, I said to myself, “It’s Trauma.”
Despite a long time in therapy addressing my childhood trauma, I continue to experience triggers that remind me of feelings from the past. Due to my efforts to heal the intensity of my feelings is less and I am better able to identify what is going on inside of me.
I know the effort on my part to heal allows me to cope with situations like I mentioned above. My experience with my trauma informs me that therapy does work and from time to time it can be triggered again. The healing I am doing teaches me to take care of myself. Although it was a difficult decision I did not go to the funeral. If you want to learn more about my experience and healing from trauma go to my website and pick up a copy of my book https://superhumanbeing.net/
Peace
Larry
email: ljwinter@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/