Have You Been Hurt by Others?
Healing for psychological pain of the past requires changing how you think in the present. You cannot change the past, but you can change the impact of it. You could look at the past abuse, trauma, and hardships and conclude: “I’m damaged goods. I’m not important. No one understands what I’ve gone through. God is too weak to help me. I can’t do this.” Your past did not ruin you and does not determine your future. It prepared you for what lies ahead in life. Healing will take place as you change the way you think about past situations. Don’t let your past make you bitter. Instead, let it make you better. Let your will, attitude, character, connections, and disposition define and identify you, not your past. You can change the way you think and the way you talk about your past difficulties in life. Change, nevertheless, is difficult.
Ruminations Keep You Anxious
Many people continually justify being offended with a self-righteous superiority and a sense of entitlement. Rather than change their thinking they constantly want to explain their thinking. This drives the desire to rehearse the past unfairness of life and the transgressions of others. They may seek further evidence to support their right to be hurt. However, this rumination brings no relief. Rather, it solidifies the pain and amplifies the anxiety, bitterness, and anguish. Failure to address this distress often brings added emotional distress and physical problems such as insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, and fatigue. Perpetually reviewing the problem does not provide escape from it.
How Therapy Can Help
Cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts and how they relate to the anxiety you feel. A therapist will help you become aware of your thought patterns and change the way you think, replacing distorted thoughts about the trauma or past hurt in order to reduce anxiety. Behavioral therapy helps you replace anxious responses with more positive behaviors and relaxation techniques. As you develop these techniques more fully, you gain control over the knee-jerk anxious thought patterns. Use your creativity and resourcefulness to establish a positive future rather than simply rehearsing a disappointing past.
Recovery is a Journey. Enjoy the Ride!
