It is believed that emotional wounds are more painful and harder to heal than physical ones. It is quite difficult to come to terms with something that is intangible. It often becomes very difficult to express this pain, and one would rather find it better to stay silent and suffer than speak about it because it breaks back the painful memories. Strangely enough, emotional injuries do reflect in the same areas of the brain as physical injuries. Studies have revealed that the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex are affected by physical and emotional trauma (Fogel 2012). Emotional injuries might result from incidents like broken relationships, loss of a loved one or peer rejection, surviving abusive relationships, sudden financial difficulties, or even loss of property, which leave a lasting scar on a person’s mind. So what are the signs that you need to look for that highlight the hurt and how should you start your journey of healing.

Signs:

1. Loss of interest in a normal lifestyle- This would entail avoidance of social gatherings, emotional talks, and confrontations.

2. Rage due to petty reasons- Anxiety and emotional pain make one highly intolerant and frustrated in difficult situations.

3. Recalling the situation over and over again in one’s head- In doing so, one is actually reopening old wounds and making it even more difficult to deal with the pain.

4. An overwhelming sense of fear- Trying to embrace new relationships, losing someone, or facing an embarrassing situation, or receiving criticism might trigger an overwhelming sense of fear.

5. Altered sleep patterns- One might feel restless and in some cases might suffer from mild to severe insomnia.

6. Mood swings- One would constantly feel weighed down, and emotional outbursts or crying might pop up at any time.

How to Heal?

1. Try Identifying the cause: The first step to start your journey to healing is identifying your cause of emotional trauma and acknowledging it. Its root cause must be identified, even if that means going back into your childhood to find that reason. You will find it difficult to release your pain if you do not fully understand when and how did it originate. Talking to a person you can confide in would be a great way to let go of your emotional baggage, and if need be seek professional help from a counselor. Trauma therapists/ counselors are trained at helping you realize and come to terms with your hurt, and support you through your journey of healing. If you feel that you are probably not ready yet to seek professional help, you can start off by honestly investigating triggers in your life, whether they are people, events, or locations that bring back those uncomfortable memories. Try journaling these feelings and analyzing patterns if there are any so that you can start of your process of healing.

2. Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness is basically the process of training yourself to be more self-aware and present in the moment. This helps a great deal when coming to terms with emotional trauma. Taking time off and giving yourself to heal and introspect is needed at this stage. Just like we would take some time off to heal from a physical injury, this would be no different. Slowing down our lives and thoughts, to acknowledge and validate the sense of pain we are feeling helps in the process of healing rather than trying to keep our schedule as busy as possible and not trying to heal. Revisiting a traumatic memory can help release the pain but we cannot dwell on the past forever. You are no longer a victim of that event, but instead a survivor, and by living in the present moment can give yourself the opportunity to live and make some beautiful new moments and memories that will diminish the pain of your trauma.

3. Practicing patience with yourself: Be patient with yourself and do not try and put a deadline to your healing process. Just like picking at a physical wound would hinder its healing process, so is the case with emotional healing. Trying to rush yourself to heal might cause more anxiety and distress. Be proud of every little step that you make in the right direction and try instilling as much positivity into your life as you can.

References:

https://psych2go.net/6-signs-of-an-emotional-wound-and-how-to-heal-it/

https://www.claritytherapynyc.com/heal-emotional-wounds