When dealing with trauma, the emotional experience can vary from person to person. It's important to remember that everyone's healing journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to processing trauma.
The experience of becoming calmer when dealing with trauma can be attributed to several factors:
Emotional Regulation: Processing trauma often involves learning healthier ways to cope with overwhelming emotions. As you work through your trauma, you may develop better emotional regulation skills, allowing you to manage intense feelings more effectively.
Releasing Suppressed Emotions: Trauma can lead to the suppression of emotions as a coping mechanism. When you start dealing with the trauma, you may gradually release and express these pent-up emotions, leading to a sense of calmness as you let go of emotional burdens.
Gaining Perspective: Through the healing process, you may gain new insights into your trauma, its impact on your life, and how it has influenced your emotions. This newfound understanding can bring a sense of clarity and acceptance, contributing to a calmer emotional state.
Self-Compassion: Engaging in trauma work often involves developing self-compassion and self-care practices. As you become more compassionate toward yourself, you may find that you are less self-critical and experience greater emotional stability.
Integration and Healing: Addressing trauma can lead to a process of integration and healing. As you process painful memories and experiences, you may find that you gradually release the grip trauma has had on your emotions, allowing for a calmer emotional state.
Safety and Security: Engaging in trauma work can create a sense of safety and security. As you work through the trauma, you may find that the fear and anxiety associated with it diminish, leading to increased feelings of calmness.
It's important to note that while becoming calmer can be a positive outcome of trauma processing, it doesn't mean that experiencing other emotions is not possible or desirable. The healing process can be complex, and a wide range of emotions may emerge at different stages. It's crucial to give yourself the time and space to experience and process whatever emotions arise without judgment.
If you find that you are struggling to connect with the emotions you desire, or if you feel emotionally numb, consider seeking support from a qualified mental health professional. They can provide guidance and help you navigate the healing process in a way that is most beneficial for you. Remember that healing from trauma is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.