10 Often Overlooked Signs You’re Healing from Trauma

Source: Nick_the_Photographer/Pixabay

Improvement trauma It is often an invisible process; So much so that we often don’t realize how far we’ve come until we look back at what we’ve overcome. You may not wake up one day and feel “recovered,” but there are small, important changes that signal that you are on the road to recovery. These signs of recovery are often overlooked because they do not always fit into traditional views of recovery. However, if you can notice these subtle changes, they can be powerful reminders that you are making progress on your healing journey, even if it feels extremely slow.

When I mention this to my clients, I often get discouraged looks. And I get it: sometimes the journey to recovery can feel like it will never end (and some might argue it never ends!)

Healing from trauma is a complex process, and everyone’s journey looks different. However, there are some forms of healing that are often overlooked or underrated. I have found that recovery often works better when we incorporate small, manageable practices into our daily lives rather than trying to accomplish something monumental, which can feel overwhelming. When practiced consistently, these small signs can represent your healing as much as—or even more than—the occasional larger signs.

Here are 10 sometimes forgotten signs that show you’re better than you think:

1. Eating whatever you want without eating it embarrass yourself about it: Food has a unique relationship with trauma. For some, eating may be a form of comfort, while for others, food may represent control or restriction.². Trauma can often result in: emotional eating or your relationships with food deteriorate, but recovery comes when you can enjoy your favorite food without inner criticism. guilt.

2. Increased comfort while doing a digital detox: In a hyperconnected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant stream of digital notifications. For trauma survivors, constant exposure to distressing news, harmful social comparisons, and even toxic online environments can worsen traumatic emotions. anxietyisolation and stress¹. Taking a digital detox (whether for an hour, a day, or even a week) can give your mind a much-needed break. It’s a form of mental self-care that allows you to rest and recharge, and it’s a sign that you can step away from your phone more easily.

3. hang out borders with difficult people: Many struggle with boundaries because they may have been taught to ignore their own needs or be overly tolerant of others. But healing comes when we realize that our needs are important and that we are worthy of respect. Setting clear boundaries, whether with toxic family members, manipulative friends, or demanding co-workers, is an important but often overlooked sign of recovery.

4. Acknowledging and validating your feelings: Trauma survivors are often taught to suppress or deny their feelings, especially if their feelings have been ignored in the past. Healing begins when you stop ignoring your feelings and start accepting them as valid. Allowing yourself to feel whatever arises without shame, denialor excuses are a huge healing step.

5. Not contacting someone who harms you: Sometimes healing means taking a step back from the people who harm your life. While this can be especially difficult with family or long-time friends, having no contact can be a powerful act of self-protection. Going no contact doesn’t necessarily have to be permanent, but it is a step towards healing, protecting, and prioritizing your peace of mind.

6. Learning limits: Learning to create healthy boundaries in all areas of your life (emotionally, physically, and mentally) is a skill that takes time and practice. Many trauma survivors find that they have boundaries that are either too loose or too rigid; both defense mechanisms They arise from the need to protect themselves. Boundaries are not about building walls or excluding people; but it’s about defining and communicating what you accept and don’t want. These can include everything from saying “no” when you don’t mean to to saying that a person’s words or actions are hurtful without feeling guilty for doing so.

7. Leaving a toxic person or job: Sometimes healing means moving away from situations that continually harm you, even if it’s difficult or requires a major change in your life. Whether it’s leaving an abusive relationship, leaving a toxic job, or walking away from a friend who no longer respects your boundaries, leaving toxic people or environments is crucial for your mental health. Staying in situations that weaken your health will only prolong the healing process. Although walking away is never easy, being able to recognize when it is time to do so is a sign of healing.

8. Defending yourself: Self-advocacy means learning to speak up for your needs, whether in a healthcare setting, a work environment, or in personal relationships. When you experience trauma, advocating for yourself can feel scary or even impossible, but it is an important part of healing. By standing up for your rights, asking for help when you need it, and advocating for yourself, you take back the power over your own life.

9. Increased comfort with declining a social invitation: Sometimes saying “no” to a social invitation, whether it’s an event with friends or family, is a necessary form of self-care. It’s not about rejecting others, it’s about prioritizing your own well-being. Learning to decline social invitations without feeling guilty or fear Judgment is an important part of protecting your energy. Honoring your needs, even if that need is for solitude or quiet time, is an important act of self-compassion that shows how far you’ve come.

10. Finding a creative outlet: Healing from trauma isn’t just about removing the things that hurt you; It’s also about finding what nourishes you. Creative avenues like writing, drawing, gardening, or crafting can be incredibly therapeutic, but many survivors put creative fields to shame. Having more ease in your exits is a sign of healing.