Healing, the word, is in present tense. It’s a great way to remind ourselves that this is a process, and there is learning and progress to be made every step of the way.

It's common for survivors to see others who are advocates,

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authors, speakers and even working in professions helping other survivors, and think they're done healing. They're healed from their trauma. The truth is, some people may still be doing all those amazing things, yet still in the process of healing themselves.

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As for healing, it means something different to everyone. It might mean being able to speak to a relative on the phone after a long estrangement, less meds, or starting therapy. Or for someone else, finishing therapy.

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The point is, we define healing for ourselves. For some, it can mean being able to say a word that for years has felt too triggering to speak.

Once we have considered what healing is for us, we can begin to acknowledge when we detect evidence of it.

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Seeing our own healing is very motivating and can help up find the energy to keep going with this.

It’s important not to let others tell us what healing looks like. They are not you, no matter how hard they try!

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By defining it for ourselves, it helps us be more aware that others, even if their story is similar, will possibly need their healing to take a different route.

No one way is right or wrong. It varies by type, by pace, and can be a sliding scale with regressions,

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pauses and moments to sit and cry and shout “I Can’t Do This Any More!” But you can.

Taking a deep breath can be helping us heal.

Finding a new magazine we haven’t read before, with encouraging articles in, can be helping us heal.

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Snuggling with our cat or dog can be helping us heal.

Eating a piece of cake at a friend’s birthday party when we previously would have denied ourselves the calories, can be helping us heal.

Seeking out support will help us heal IF it's the support we need.

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Healing from trauma can get complicated, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for recovery. With that in mind, learning and practicing healthy self-care for trauma is an essential part of regaining a sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

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Build A Healthy Support Network

It is normal to isolate and withdraw from others after a traumatic event. You may feel unsteady and unsafe around people. You may feel nervous about leaving home in general.

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While you may need to keep your distance from specific people, it’s crucial to keep open lines of communication. This is a time to reach out to friends and family. Having support in the aftermath of trauma is vital for your well-being.

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In addition to reaching out to loved ones, you may want to consider joining a support group or seeking professional help.

Trauma can be an undoubtedly lonely experience. Talking about it may also feel uncomfortable.

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However, having people who believe in you makes for an easier healing process. The more you feel connected to others, the more likely you are to feel worthy and deserving of growth.

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Honor Your Physical Health

Some trauma will impact your physical body- either directly or indirectly. And, while you may not feel any motivation to eat well or exercise when you’re feeling down, it’s crucial to keep your body nourished and strong.

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Your physical health and emotional health are interconnected. If you don’t take care of yourself, your symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem may worsen.

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Allow Yourself To Relax

Trauma can leave you in a fragile, hypervigilant, and anxious state of mind. Consequently, your body may feel restless and tense. You may find it difficult to sleep, interact with others, or even concentrate on basic tasks.

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Relaxation is one of the significant cornerstones of trauma healing. Learning how to relax can help reduce common trauma symptoms of ruminating thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, and destructive feelings of guilt and shame.

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There are many relaxation strategies you can practice, and you may need to engage in a trial-and-error process to find the ones that best work for you.

Some options include:
* Mindfulness exercises (deep breathing, meditation)

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* Body work (yoga, acupuncture, massages)
* Pleasurable hobbies/activities
* Creative expression (journaling, art, music)

Affirm Yourself

Trauma can cause even the most resilient people to experience profound feelings of inferiority, inadequacy, and incompetence #SexAbuseChat

Unfortunately, this compromised self-esteem can stunt the recovery process.

Remember that you need to be your biggest ally during this time. You are not a product of your circumstances. You CAN heal, and you ARE deserving of healing.

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The healing may not be linear, but it is possible, and you can conquer this stressful time in your life.

Remind yourself often that you are worthy of love and a meaningful life. If you find yourself struggling with such affirmations,

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you may want to consider trauma-informed therapy. Therapy can help you identify how your trauma has impacted you, and it can also help you feel supported and empowered during this time.

Look for a trauma-trained therapist #SexAbuseChat

Why Self-Care For Trauma Matters

Self-care for trauma isn’t just about getting a pedicure or watching your favorite TV show (although it may certainly include those activities!). Self-care is about honoring your internal and external needs.

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It’s about standing up to your trauma, no matter how hard it may seem.

Your road to recovery may be paved with challenges and obstacles, but you can heal. Are you feeling stuck with your process? Do you feel like nobody understands what’s truly going on?

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Do you worry that things are never going to get better?
Then maybe it's time to seek a trauma-trained therapist.

We are advocates of therapy here at #SexAbuseChat.

@PsychToday and @RAINN and @1in6org all have therapist directories.

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Other forms of healing:

- start a journal
- art
- music
- talking with a friend or loved one about your trauma (if they love you, they'll be there for you!)

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What works for you? Please share (and remember the hashtag)

For me, healing looks like:

- continuing to do this chat every week
- writing in my daily journal
- writing my 3rd BROKEN book (in final edits - yay!)
- continuing therapy
- continuing research on the effects of PTSD on #CSA survivors

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