Trauma impacts everyone differently. But, one of the biggest mistakes those dealing with a traumatic event can make is ignoring their own feelings and emotions. 

It’s not uncommon to feel as though you need to push your emotions down for a variety of reasons. Maybe you think they aren’t justified. Maybe you’re embarrassed. Perhaps others are telling you to “get over it” or move on. 

Sometimes, you can even feel like your feelings are your enemy. Do you choose to minimize your trauma as a defense mechanism? Or try to ignore them to protect yourself? 

Whatever the case, minimizing your trauma and ignoring your emotions can be damaging to you and your relationships, in the long run. 

So, what can you do to honor your emotions now? How can you work through them, rather than pushing them aside? 

Be Real With What You Feel

You don’t necessarily need to understand your emotions to be honest about them. Dealing with trauma can be confusing and even overwhelming. You might not know why you feel the way you do. 

It’s important to acknowledge those feelings anyway. 

One of the best ways to acknowledge your feelings is to journal them. You might feel different things at different times and journaling is a great way to look back on things. When you write everything down, you can look back to gauge what you were feeling at any given time. 

Journaling is a good way to reflect on where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. It can also give you a better understanding as to why you view things the way you do, or if there are any triggers for certain emotions. 

You’re Not Your Own Enemy

You might be minimizing your trauma because you’re judging yourself. Other people will say and think what they want, but you don’t have to agree.  Shame and trauma often combine negatively, causing you to become your own worst enemy.

If you find yourself thinking “I shouldn’t feel this way” or “I need to get over it,” consider those thoughts toxic and negative. You don’t need to criticize yourself when it comes to honoring your emotions. 

Simply put, feel how you feel. There is no right or “wrong” way to feel when you’ve been through a traumatic experience. You can control how you act upon those feelings, but don’t judge yourself for allowing them to enter into your mind. 

When you stop judging yourself for the emotions that take over, you’re giving yourself permission to feel. That offers you a sense of freedom and acceptance that supports relief and recovery. 

Once you do give yourself some grace, the weight of your emotions will feel much lighter. 

Get the Support You Deserve

Sometimes, one of the best ways you can honor your emotions is to seek out the support of others. Don’t allow yourself to become embarrassed or ashamed by what you feel. People who care for you are often more willing to help than you might think. 

Having a support system in your life can help you open up. Trusted loved ones can provide an outlet for sharing your trauma and feelings, without fear of judgment. 

If you don’t have that kind of support system (or you’re worried about sharing certain details with friends and family), therapy can help. Simply expressing emotions in a safe environment may ease your emotional burden. 

Honoring your emotions is healthy. I’m here to help. Please read more about trauma therapy and feel free to contact me. Together, we can resolve your past and determine healthier ways to honor you and your story.