Recognizing and releasing trauma can be a powerful step toward emotional freedom and well-being. Trauma is often stored within the body and mind, manifesting in subtle yet significant ways. Here are five signs you may be holding onto unresolved trauma, along with practical steps to start letting go.
1. Persistent Emotional Triggers
If certain situations, sounds, or places consistently evoke intense emotional reactions, it may indicate unresolved trauma. These “triggers” are reminders of past pain, causing your body to react as if the event is happening again.
How to Let Go: Start by identifying common triggers. Practice grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or placing your feet firmly on the ground, to help you stay present when triggered. Therapy or trauma-informed coaching can also be effective for unpacking these responses.
2. Difficulty Trusting Others
Unresolved trauma can create barriers to trust, especially if past trauma involved betrayal or abandonment. This can make it hard to form close relationships, leading to feelings of isolation.
How to Let Go: Consider working with a therapist to explore these trust issues. Building trust with yourself is also essential—engage in self-care practices and keep promises you make to yourself, building confidence that you’re there to protect your own well-being.
3. Physical Tension and Chronic Pain
The body often holds onto trauma, causing symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or unexplained aches. This physical discomfort can be your body’s way of holding onto unprocessed emotions.
How to Let Go: Practices like yoga, massage therapy, or somatic experiencing can help release stored physical tension. Gentle exercise and body scans are great for increasing awareness of where tension resides and gradually allowing it to dissipate.
4. Negative Self-Talk and Low Self-Worth
Trauma can lead to persistent negative self-beliefs, causing one to feel unworthy or unlovable. This self-talk can perpetuate feelings of shame or inadequacy, making it difficult to move forward.
How to Let Go: Practice self-compassion by challenging these negative beliefs. Journaling can help, especially if you note any positive attributes or accomplishments. Positive affirmations and seeking feedback from supportive people can also boost self-worth.
5. Avoidance of Certain Situations or Emotions
If you find yourself avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of your trauma, it could be a sign of unresolved pain. Avoidance keeps you from fully engaging with life.
How to Let Go: Begin with gradual exposure to situations you avoid, using coping tools like deep breathing or visualization to stay calm. Mindfulness practices can help you face these situations with more resilience over time.
Healing from trauma is a gradual journey. By recognizing these signs and implementing small, intentional practices, you can release the hold of past trauma and embrace a life of greater freedom and emotional peace.
