Trauma can change not only our outlook on life, but also our biology and psychology. Recognizing the impact of trauma is essential. Learning more about it and how to resolve it can be incredibly beneficial to the rest of your life.
For people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the impact of trauma in your lifeis a daily reality. It can feel overwhelming and isolating. While there has been much research to findsolutions – the effects can be evasive and long lasting. The answer just may lie in holistic-based practices.
Before we dive into possible solutions, let’s talk about what exactly trauma is and why it can impact us so deeply.
The Specifics of Trauma
It’s possible that you’re dealing not only with the effects of recent trauma of your own, but also trauma that’s been passed down to you. Wait… What? How is that possible?
While this is a complex topic, epigenetic science has now proven it. We can put it simply like this: trauma impacts our biology in ways it can be passed to future generations through our DNA.
One of the most important things to know about trauma is that everyone experiences it differently. Some will have effects so minimal they don’t fall within diagnostic criteria, while others will have severe PTSD and not from what other might even consider deeply traumatic. When it comes to addressing trauma, we must recognize that there isn’t one specific roadmap – we are all different. And how it affects us isn’t something that can be generalized.
For some, trauma effects are noticeable immediately after the event. However, it’s also possible for effects to not become prevalent until months or years after the trauma occurred. Compartmentalizing trauma is a coping skill many don’t realize they’re using.
PTSD
For people with PTSD, trauma typically impacts them in noticeable ways on a daily basis. Many people think that PTSD is a diagnosis solely given to veterans or first responders, but all of us have the potential to develop this condition. Regardless of age, gender, occupation, or ethnicity, this is a diagnosis that is common to many.
It is important to note that PTSD can manifest itself differently depending on age. For children, wetting the bed and speech regression are common symptoms. In adults, recurrent memories and nightmares are some of the most notable symptoms.
If you’ve recently received a PTSD diagnosis, you may be feeling hopeless or confused. Once you’ve begun exploring treatment options, you’ll most likely find that medication is one of the most prominent recommendations.
While medication can be an effective way of managing some of the symptoms of PTSD – it will not heal it. I have discovered many other options that aren’t commonly recommended. While they may not be understood yet in clinical settings, these alternatives can be just as effective as many common treatment options (if not more effective).
Journaling
Grab your favorite pen, an empty journal, and get ready to work through some complicated emotions. While talking about trauma with a therapist can be helpful, there is also important work you can do on your own.
If you aren’t sure where to start and want help with what to write about, check out the Mind Fitness Tools in the SOS Method app. They all include a journaling component. Specifically try:
- Stop Drop & Roll – to move out of rage, anger, or sadness into a resourceful state of mind.
- Release & Let Go – to replace negative patterns with new empowering qualities that lead to greater happiness.
- Rewind – to recognize stress and limiting habits you might have inherited and gain awareness to shift your future.
- Forgiveness – to release deep hurt, find a new perspective, revitalize your spirit, and boost wellbeing.
- The Morning After – to let go of regret and move into a positive, empowered mindset.
You hold all the answers inside yourself, you just have to be brave enough to find them.
Nervous System Calming
“Learning to breathe” might sound simple, right? I mean, how hard could it be?
By investing time to learn about various meditation techniques you can find one that works for you, that is not only about breathing and calming your mind, it can also unlock a limitless potential that helps you heal. Focusing on your breath is a powerful way to calm your central nervous system and feel grounded in the present – including an advanced meditation technique with subtle energy is next level.
What I discovered is so different about SOS Method, is that it’s not just about breathing. And it’s not just about taking deep yogic style breaths. It’s about attuning to conscious awareness, a powerful potential inside and weaving it throughout your entire day.
Once this dormant potential is activated ( with the Special Formula Meditations), you will be able to reconnect simply by returning to the breath with an inward focus – regardless of what is happening around you.
Most people think they can’t maintain that state of awareness because of their busy lives. With The Three Breath Awareness, you’ll find that concept being broken.
Your level of stress will determine the breaths needed initially you will need more than three. In time, you’ll be able to access this shift in consciousness in only a breath.
This process can be done with your eyes open or closed. Practice initially with your eyes closed until you are able to reconnect within a few breaths.
When you use this process consistently, your connection to inspiration, strength, and intuition expands exponentially.
- Breathe in so deeply it feels like the air is moving throughout every cell from the top of your head down to your toes. With the out breath feel any tension releasing.
- Breathe in so deeply it feels like everything is slowing down. With the out breath shift your focus away from the outside world toward the serenity and stillness within.
- Breathe in so deeply it feels like you are filled with conscious awareness. With the out breath allow the awareness to guide you.
After, sit in the awareness and maintain the inner focus for three minutes or longer. Then notice what has changed, how you feel. Many people speak of a renewed feeling of calm in the body and often a tingling sensation in their hands or head as the Energy circulates.
Using The Three Breath Awareness tool when going through the difficulties that often arise from PTSD will improve your state of mind in the moment as well as the outcomes you are looking for.
Get Inspired
Working through trauma can be difficult. Finding the inspiration to keep moving forward can be challenging, so finding what works for you is important.
Many people have found that following a program is an excellent way for them to have some structure and participate in evidence-based methods.
If you feel like negative thoughts are in control of your life, consider a guided program like the ones in the SOS Method App. This simple and yet powerful technique combines neuroscience and time-tested holistic traditions to activate a dormant potential that rapidly clears the blocked cellular memory from recent and generational trauma.
If your primary goal is resolving trauma to build the true power in you, consider the Release Unhealthy Patterns, then Mental Resilience programs in the app. You’ll begin to unpack negative habits and embrace your genetic potential. Getting started is as simple as signing up and setting aside five minutes each day for this transformational practice.
By trying the various programs, you can get to know yourself, unpack your trauma, and live a happier life. Sounds good, right?