5 Common Behaviors That Hinder Trauma Survivors' Healing Process

Healing from trauma is a complex and deeply personal journey, often fraught with challenges that can slow progress or even set survivors back. For those navigating the aftermath of complex childhood trauma, understanding the behaviors that may be hindering their healing process is essential. In this blog, we'll explore five common actions that trauma survivors often take, which, despite good intentions, may impede their recovery. By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, survivors can create a more effective path toward healing and emotional well-being.

Trying to Do Too Much, Too Fast

Trauma survivors often find themselves in a state of constant fight or flight, a natural response to past experiences. To regain control, many dive headfirst into their healing journey with a long list of changes they hope will lead to emotional health. However, this all-or-nothing approach can quickly become overwhelming, triggering the nervous system into dorsal vagal shutdown—a state where the body essentially "freezes" in response to stress. This vicious cycle can make progress feel impossible. Instead of tackling everything, focus on making one slight shift at a time. Remember, in healing, it’s often necessary to go slow to go fast.

Resisting or Suppressing Symptoms

A common sentiment among trauma survivors is the desire to simply "be over it already." This impatience can lead to the suppression of emotions and the dismissal of physical and emotional triggers. While it may seem like ignoring these symptoms could expedite the healing process, the opposite is true. Suppressing these natural responses only prolongs recovery. It's crucial to approach these symptoms with compassion, acknowledging that trauma isn't something you can simply "get over." Embracing and understanding your symptoms is a significant step towards healing.

Focusing Solely on Talk Therapy Without Body Work

Talk therapy, especially with a safe and supportive therapist, is a vital component of trauma recovery. However, it’s not the whole picture. Trauma lives in the body as much as in the mind, and without incorporating bodywork into your healing process, you might find yourself stuck. Somatic practices like stretching, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can be incredibly beneficial in releasing the tension that trauma creates in the body. These practices don’t have to be expensive or complicated—simple, consistent efforts can make a substantial difference in your healing journey.

Overloading on New Information Without Integration

The drive to gather information is shared among trauma survivors, fueled by the belief that more knowledge equates to faster healing. While learning about trauma and its effects is essential, constantly seeking new information without giving yourself time to process and integrate it can overwhelm your nervous system. This overload can lead to shutdowns, making moving forward in your healing journey harder. Instead of constantly consuming new content, try taking breaks and focusing on integrating what you’ve already learned. Being present and mindful can be just as healing as gaining new knowledge.

Attempting to Heal Alone

The appeal of self-healing is strong, especially for those who have experienced relational trauma. The idea of not having to depend on anyone else can be incredibly tempting. However, true healing—especially from attachment-related trauma—requires some degree of relational work. While self-help strategies like psycho-education and bodywork are valuable, healing from relational trauma often necessitates building safe, supportive connections. Whether it’s through therapy, online support groups, or close relationships with trusted individuals, involving others in your healing process can lead to deeper, more lasting recovery.

Conclusion

Healing from trauma is not a linear path, and it’s easy to fall into behaviors that seem helpful but may slow your progress. By being mindful of these common pitfalls—trying to do too much too quickly, suppressing symptoms, relying solely on talk therapy, overloading on information, and attempting to heal alone—you can make more deliberate and effective strides on your journey to recovery. Remember, healing is a process that requires patience, self-compassion, and, often, the support of others. Take it one step at a time, and know that with each mindful decision, you’re moving closer to the peace and emotional health you deserve.