Community care and healing trauma
Trauma can be a profoundly isolating experience, leaving us feeling disconnected and alone in our pain. While therapy and self-care are essential to the healing process for trauma, it's also important to recognize the value of community care as you navigate your recovery journey.
Community care can restore a sense of belonging. Trauma can leave us disconnected and isolated, leading to loneliness and isolation. By connecting with others, we can find a sense of belonging and connection that can be incredibly healing. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can provide a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and feel understood.
Build social support through community care. Social support is a crucial factor in mental health and well-being. It can be especially beneficial when navigating life after a traumatic event or healing from complex trauma. By participating in community care, we can access a network of support from others who understand our challenges and offer emotional and practical support.
Accept support. When a neighbor, friend, or trusted family member reaches out to offer support, let them in. In our individualistic society, we often think we have to be strong all the time and take care of ourselves. However, as humans, we are social beings. We need our community to survive and thrive! So be brave and accept help when it's offered or reach out to your community. It can be as simple as telling someone you're feeling overwhelmed and asking if you can talk about it.
Finding community can normalize traumatic experiences. One of the most damaging aspects of trauma can be the feeling that our experiences aren't normal or that they're shameful. By connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas, we can discover that we are not alone in our struggles. This can be incredibly empowering and help us feel more validated and understood.
Share resources and strategies in community. In addition to emotional support, community care can provide us with coping skills or tangible resources for healing and growth. By participating in support groups, mutual aid, or other forms of community care, we can learn from the experiences of others and gain valuable insights into the challenges we face.
Community care isn’t a replacement for individual healing through therapy and self-work but rather an essential complement. By accessing healing through therapy, self-care, and community care, we can receive the support and resources we need to navigate the healing process after trauma.
Community care is a critical component of the healing process after trauma. It can restore a sense of belonging, access social support, help normalize experiences, and gain coping skills and strategies after trauma. It is always better to reach out for help and support when dealing with the aftermath of trauma.
Have you started healing through therapy? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Tides Center for Wellness.
