HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — We all carry stories, some joyful, some painful. When it comes to our mental health, experts say acknowledging and working through trauma is one of the most important steps towards healing and they’re encouraging more open conversations about mental health.
Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Expert Doctor Shahrzad Jalali told News 19 when we experience trauma, our memory records not only the memories but also senses related to that memory. So even if your mind wants to forget, your nervous system and your body is still reliving fragments of the past and trying to make peace with it. This is especially significant when major events happen in our lives. When we see triggers that remind us of a sad or unhappy experience, our bodies become reactive to those feelings, and that exhibits in anxiety or other health issues.
Many of us are survivors of some type of traumatic event or depression, but the goal is to thrive and make peace with our experiences, not just to learn how to cope with it. Doctor Jalili says one of the most important steps in healing is recognizing that you may need help.
Some signs that you may be experiencing trauma include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Avoiding certain situations
- Persistent anxiety
Support systems such as counseling and community groups can help people find hope and resilience after traumatic situations.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), females have a higher prevalence of depression than males.
Mental health professionals say trauma can affect anyone, and it shows up in ways we don’t expect. It can impact our lives from an relationships, along with our sleep and even our physical health. Trauma isn’t always just one event, it can build over time through stress, loss, or constant fear.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Because sometimes, the most powerful step toward healing is simply saying….I’m not okay…and that is okay.
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