Trauma is tough. It can stick with you and impact your emotional and psychological health for a long time. It can feel incredibly lonely, and it can be hard to see a way forward.
That’s why I’ve put together this collection of healing trauma quotes. These quotes are meant to offer comfort, validation, and a sense of hope. Sometimes, just knowing that others have gone through similar experiences and found a path to healing can make all the difference.
These words can remind you that you’re not alone, and that healing and growth are possible. Trauma doesn’t have to define you. You are resilient, you are strong, and you are capable of creating a brighter future for yourself. Let these healing trauma quotes be a source of strength and inspiration on your journey.
Quotes about what it feels like living with unresolved trauma
Unresolved trauma can manifest in different ways for different people. Here are some quotes from people who have experienced trauma, expressing what it can feel like to live with it.
The torment of nightmares and flashbacks
“Living with trauma is torture. The nightmares and flashbacks torment me and follow me everywhere I go.”
Reliving a traumatic event can be a feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks and nightmares can be so vivid that they trigger intense emotional and physical reactions, disrupting your sleep and making it difficult to function in your day-to-day life.
The burden of shame and self-blame
“PTSD has led to me feeling really ashamed of myself, because it shows up in ways I wish it didn’t, and sometimes hurts those around me.”
Shame, guilt, and self-blame are common feelings for trauma survivors. It’s important to remember that these feelings are a consequence of the trauma itself and don’t reflect your worth as a person. Trauma can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to internalize blame when you’re trying to make sense of what happened.
The isolation and loneliness of trauma
“It can feel really lonely. No one around me really gets what it’s like because they haven’t experienced it.”
Trauma can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others. It can be hard to explain what you’re going through, and it can feel like no one understands. Finding support and community is essential to combat these feelings. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and help you feel less alone.
Quotes about what it feels like when your trauma is triggered
Trauma triggers can be so tough. They happen without warning, and then you’re suddenly back in a terrible time and place. It’s not easy to put into words what it feels like when a trauma trigger hits.
Here are a few quotes that might help you understand what’s happening, or help you feel less alone in your experience.
The suddenness and intensity of triggers
Trauma triggers can be sensory, emotional, or situational. It might be a sight, a sound, a smell, or a place. It might be something someone says that takes you right back to the trauma.
The feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control
Trauma triggers can lead to panic, dissociation, and flashbacks. It can feel like you’re losing control and drowning in emotions. Grounding techniques and mindfulness exercises can help you regulate your emotions when you’re triggered. It’s important to develop coping mechanisms to manage triggers.
The impact on relationships
Trauma can really mess with your relationships. Trauma triggers can lead to avoidance and make it hard to connect with other people. Communication and understanding are crucial if you want to navigate triggers in your relationships.
Quotes about how trauma shows up in day-to-day life
Trauma doesn’t just disappear after the triggering event is over. It can linger and bubble up in unexpected ways, impacting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The impact on mental and emotional health
Trauma can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional health. It can increase your risk of developing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here are a few quotes that describe the mental health struggles that may be caused by trauma:
- “The body keeps the score.” – Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma creates change you don’t choose.” – Karen Perry
The effects on physical health
Trauma doesn’t just affect your mind; it can also affect your body. Chronic stress and tension can contribute to physical health problems.
These quotes reflect the physical symptoms of trauma, such as fatigue, pain, and digestive issues:
- “The issues are in the tissues.” – Peter Levine
- “Our bodies have a story to tell.” – Sharon Stanley
The challenges in relationships and social interactions
Trauma can make it difficult to form and maintain relationships. Fear of vulnerability and abandonment can hinder relationship development.
These quotes highlight the difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships due to trauma:
- “Trauma isolates.” – Unknown
- “Hurt people hurt people.” – Unknown
Trauma can affect every area of your life, but with support and healing, you can move forward.
Why is healing from trauma so hard?
Healing from trauma is a deeply personal process. It can be easy to feel isolated and misunderstood. Many people find comfort in quotes and sayings that resonate with their experience, reminding them they are not alone.
But trauma recovery is rarely a straight line. It can be helpful to understand some of the common roadblocks to healing, and the feelings and beliefs that can keep you stuck. Here are some quotes that explore why trauma recovery can be so difficult.
The fear of re-experiencing pain
One of the biggest obstacles to healing is the fear of confronting the traumatic memories and emotions. As Bessel van der Kolk wrote, “The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”
Avoiding triggers and memories can provide temporary relief, but ultimately prevents processing the trauma and moving forward.
The difficulty letting go of the past
Trauma can leave you feeling stuck in the past, unable to move on. As trauma survivor and author Kilee Turmell wrote, “You survived the abuse. You’re going to survive the recovery.”
Therapy and support groups can help you process your experiences and find a sense of closure, allowing you to reclaim your life.
The internalized beliefs and negative self-perceptions
Trauma can warp your self-perception, leading to negative beliefs and feelings of worthlessness. As Brené Brown says, “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
It’s important to remember that trauma is not indicative of a broken individual, and healing is possible. Challenging those negative beliefs and developing self-compassion are essential steps on the path to recovery.
Foundations of trauma and how to heal
Trauma is an overwhelming experience. It messes with the way your body processes events and can leave you feeling unsafe, confused, and disconnected.
But remember this: experiencing trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken. Healing is possible.
Healing from trauma is a process that usually involves:
- Reassuring your body that you are safe now.
- Regulating your nervous system.
- Acknowledging that the traumatic event is over.
It’s a tough journey, and it’s OK to seek professional support. But it’s also important to be kind to yourself along the way. That’s where self-compassion comes in.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget the importance of self-care and setting healthy boundaries. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and emotional needs, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that drain your energy or trigger your trauma.
Also, make sure you acknowledge your feelings without justifying or minimizing them. It’s OK to feel angry, sad, scared, or whatever else comes up. Allow yourself to experience those emotions without judgment, and know that they’re a normal part of the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are positive affirmations for healing trauma?
Positive affirmations are statements you can repeat to yourself to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with trauma. They’re like little pep talks for your brain, encouraging healing and self-compassion. Some examples include:
- “I am safe in my body.”
- “I am worthy of love and healing.”
- “I am strong and resilient.”
- “I am learning and growing from my experiences.”
- “I am releasing the pain of the past.”
- “I choose to focus on the present moment.”
- “I am in control of my healing journey.”
The key is to choose affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them regularly, even when you don’t believe them at first. Over time, they can help shift your mindset and promote a sense of hope and empowerment.
What is a positive quote for trauma?
A positive quote for trauma can offer a brief but powerful message of hope, resilience, and the possibility of healing. One example is: “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi. This quote suggests that even in the darkest moments of trauma, there’s an opportunity for growth, understanding, and inner strength to emerge. It reframes trauma not just as a source of pain, but also as a potential catalyst for positive change and self-discovery.
Summary
Trauma can leave you feeling alone and lost. But, words have power. The right quote can offer comfort, validation, and even inspiration when you’re struggling to heal. They can remind you that you’re not alone and that others have walked a similar path.
Remember to be kind to yourself during this process. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help. Seek support from friends, family, therapists, or support groups. Allow yourself the space to grieve, to feel, and to process what you’ve been through.
Healing is possible. Trauma doesn’t define you. It’s a part of your story, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story. Growth and resilience are within your reach. Embrace the journey and believe in your ability to heal and thrive.