I'm sorry to hear that you had such a difficult experience with school, and it's understandable that past traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact. Healing from school trauma takes time and effort, but it is possible to work through these emotions and change your perspective. Here are some steps you can take to begin the healing process:
Acknowledge your feelings: It's important to acknowledge and validate your feelings about your past school experiences. Recognize that it's okay to feel hurt, angry, or resentful about what you went through. Don't try to suppress or ignore these emotions.
Seek professional help: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma and childhood experiences. Therapy can provide a safe space for you to process your feelings, explore the root causes of your negative perspective, and develop coping strategies.
Practice self-compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Understand that the trauma you experienced was not your fault, and you deserve understanding and kindness as you work through it.
Challenge negative beliefs: Reflect on the negative beliefs you hold about school and try to identify any irrational or distorted thinking. Work on challenging and reframing these beliefs with more balanced and realistic perspectives.
Create positive associations: If you're still in school or plan to return, try to create new positive associations with your academic environment. Focus on the aspects of school that you enjoy or find fulfilling. Engage in activities or subjects that bring you joy and build positive experiences.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your experiences and can offer encouragement. Sharing your feelings with others can be cathartic and validating.
Engage in self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time in nature.
Set boundaries: If you encounter any toxic situations or people in your current school environment, be assertive in setting boundaries and protecting your well-being. Don't hesitate to seek help or guidance from teachers, school counselors, or other supportive adults if needed.
Consider forgiveness: Forgiveness does not mean condoning or forgetting what happened, but it can help release you from the grip of anger and bitterness. This is a personal decision and might take time, but it's worth exploring as part of the healing process.
Remember that healing from school trauma is a gradual process, and it's okay to take it step by step. Be patient with yourself and give yourself the space to heal and grow. If you find that your negative perspective is persisting despite your efforts, don't hesitate to seek professional support to guide you through the healing process.