Self healing is not about “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” It is not about taking every nutritional supplement and psychedelic mushroom available on the planet.
The healing process can be optimized through the use of multi-modal integrative medicine strategies that promote mechanisms that return to homeostasis. Five body networks are integral to the concept: the nervous system, microcirculation/vasodilation, immunomodulation, muscular relaxation/contraction and psychological balance.
Trauma
Trauma is an overwhelming experience that can alter your feelings and beliefs about yourself. It can also affect how you react to other people and situations. Generally, trauma results from a distressing event that threatens your sense of safety. This can cause an intense response, including fight, flight or freeze.
Initially, most survivors have normal reactions such as exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, numbness or dissociation. However, prolonged symptoms can lead to a disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A key to self healing after trauma is to connect with other people and engage in activities that feel good to you. This can be as simple as hanging out with friends or taking part in a support group. Getting creative is another good way to relax your brain, and can involve anything from painting to just listening to music. Avoid recreational substances – they can interfere with your ability to process your emotions. There are several research-backed therapies for trauma, such as prolonged exposure or talk therapy.
Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss and it’s a difficult time for most people. The good news is that grief can be overcome. However, it takes time. People experience grieving differently and there’s no “normal” timeframe. For some people it’s weeks or months; for others, it can take years. Attempting to suppress feelings of sadness and loss or putting off the pain only prolongs the process.
It’s important to practice self-care during the grieving process. Eat nourishing foods, get enough sleep and exercise. It’s also important to talk about your feelings with trusted friends and family members. Having an outlet for your emotions such as art, writing or music can help with the healing process as well. If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, consider finding a counselor. They can help guide you through the grieving process and provide support.
Mental Health
Many people experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. They can interfere with your daily life and cause distress. Some people require care in a psychiatric hospital, while others can manage their symptoms at home with therapy and medicines.
If you have emotional wounds that remain buried, you may find yourself retaliating against others. This can affect your relationships and even your career. It is essential to heal those wounds and learn to forgive.
It’s important to recognize that mental illness is just as real as a physical illness. It’s also important to understand that mental health isn’t something you should feel ashamed of. It’s just as treatable as diabetes or heart disease. You can improve your mental health and return to a productive life if you’re open about it with family, friends and healthcare professionals. In addition to medication and talk therapy, a wide range of lifestyle interventions can help.
Spirituality
Spirituality is a core aspect of many people’s worldviews, and can have a huge impact on self healing after trauma. Some research suggests that struggling to make sense of a traumatic event can cause a change in relationship with God or belief in a higher power. This can lead to distress, especially for those whose faith is already under pressure or who have a history of abuse within their religious community.
Practicing gratitude, reverence for life and forgiveness on a daily basis can help reorient your spirituality and support your mental health. However, it’s important to be wary of using spirituality as a way to sidestep problems or emotions that are uncomfortable for you.
In addition, any form of spirituality that characterizes mental illness as the work of the devil will likely not have your best interests at heart. It’s also important to remember that seeking medical treatment and walking a spiritual path do not conflict with each other.
