Experiencing sexual trauma is undeniably difficult. It comes with a long line of negative impacts such as loss of self-esteem, self-worth, and overall happiness, which, ultimately, makes the healing process rather difficult.
It can often alter your mindset into believing that you do not deserve happiness, which is absolutely untrue. You DO deserve happiness.
Unfortunately, due to experiencing sexual trauma and the detrimental impacts it has on your mental health and overall sense of self, it can be difficult to find happiness... but we promise it is there and we are here to help you get there a little easier.
Before you begin your journey of finding happiness and healing, you have to understand that healing takes time and it is not always an easy road... healing is not linear.
Happiness often comes in waves, you will most likely have moments of sadness, hurt, and anger and it can feel almost like taking one step forward and three steps back... but this is all part of healing.
The more you learn to push through these moments of hurt, the longer the waves of happiness may last.
So, what can you do to restore happiness in your healing journey?
Feel your feels
When you need to cry, just cry. When you need to scream, just scream.
You cannot function properly and truly find happiness if you have all of this hurt inside of you. You have to allow yourself to feel your feelings, it's all a part of the healing journey.
Talk it out
Going through a sexual trauma can lead to a build up of tension, anxiety, hurt, fear, and anger all within your body. Which, by leaving it there inside of you, only makes things worse. Speak to someone... whether that be a friend you trust, a family member who seems to make everything better, or a therapist. Talk to them... this will help you release all the feelings, put things into perspective, and combat loneliness.
Write it out
Maybe talking about it can be daunting to you, that's okay. Find a piece of paper and write it out...
Science has proven that writing about your trauma, thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help to find peace and clear your mind.
Read our article all about the benefits of journaling HERE.
Find your tribe
Trauma can be lonely but having people around you who want the best for you is key to combatting loneliness in times of hurt. Reach out to old friends, join clubs, spend more quality time with family and friends... do whatever you feel comfortable with and surround yourself with people who you can trust and make you feel good.
Be with nature
Research has proven that nature is one of the worlds best healers. Being outside, breathing in the fresh air... no matter the season... has so many benefits.
Nature, ultimately, grounds us and helps us deal with our mental health and trauma. It is one of the most accessible, short-term therapies for combatting mental health and trauma.
Practice meditation
During a sexual trauma, we often unconsciously detach our minds from our bodies. The impacts of this, although possibly beneficial during the event, can stick around long after the event likely causing you to lose your sense of self.
One of the most effective ways of re-connecting with yourself to find healing and happiness is to practice meditation. Not only does it help your mind, body, and soul to re-align, it also helps to combat anxiety and further increases relaxation.
Practice breathing
Breathing... such a simple task that we do every single day. However, you would be surprised how bad we can be at it when we need it the most.
In times of stress and anxiety, our breathing often becomes irregular due to the sense of panic. We then panic because we can't breathe properly, and from then it is just a downward spiral.
You can practice breathing anywhere and everywhere (especially when you get the hang of it). It is important to practice this often because the more you do, the easier it is to use it in times of need.
Use our breathing video to practice HERE.
Practice yoga
Trauma often stores itself within the body which, ultimately, causes pain, tension, weakness, and distress. Practicing yoga is a mindful way of releasing the trauma and everything that comes with it, and helps you to reclaim your body and your sense of self.
Like previously mentioned, healing isn't linear and happiness can come in waves. However, the more you practice these elements, the longer the waves become.
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