Trauma is a word you may hear or read often in mental health spaces, but what is trauma? This term refers to the lasting emotional effects of surviving a mentally or physically distressing event. There is no one set definition for what can cause trauma as it varies from person to person. Symptoms of trauma include heightened emotions or emotional numbness, trouble sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. When it comes to coping with trauma, openness and communicating your emotions are essential to your healing journey.
Men sometimes respond to trauma by shutting down and isolating rather than reaching out for support. Cultural expectations—like being told to “toughen up” or that “real men don’t cry” can make these emotional wounds fester and deepen over time. Ignoring trauma can cause it to intensify the longer it goes unaddressed. So how do you overcome this mental hurdle and open up?
The Impact of Hidden Trauma on Men
Short Term
While you may feel a temporary sense of control, ignoring your trauma can lead to heightened irritability and stress as you struggle tosuppress your emotions and process them on your own.
Long term
The longer you suppress your trauma, the more it builds beneath the surface, eventually manifesting in ways you may not expect. This can lead to distancing yourself from loved ones as you avoid difficult conversations; unintentionally deepening your emotional struggles.
You can also struggle with physical symptoms (such as high blood pressure), increased mental struggles (such as depression or anxiety), and which increase the emotional distance between you and your loved ones.
Your Loved Ones
While you may try to hide your struggles from your loved ones, they will feel the distancing from you, leading to them feeling pushed away or wondering if they are the source of your unhappiness. This can strain your relationships, increasing your sense of isolation and intensifying your emotional pain.
The Importance of Opening Up About Your Trauma
Seeking help IS strength
Gathering the strength to engage with your loved ones isn’t a sign of weakness. In a culture where mental health is sometimes still shrouded in shame, being able to open up and set a positive example to others that they should do the same shows extreme strength and courage.
Connects you with your loved ones
It has been shown, that opening up about difficult emotional topics can strengthen your connection and bond with your loved ones, by showing that you trust them and creating a safe space for honest emotional conversations.
Helps you manage your trauma
Think of your emotions like a boiling pot of water. If left unchecked, it’ll bubble and boil over. Discussing your trauma and emotions is the boiling pot equivalent of pulling the lid off, allowing the pressure to release and the intensity to subside. This, along with coping mechanisms can help you manage your trauma in your everyday life.
Trauma is nothing to be ashamed of. Opening up to your loved ones can do wonders for your mental health. However, to make significant strides in your mental health journey, reaching out to a mental health professional will help you learn coping mechanisms and manage any other mental struggles you may be dealing with. If you are looking for a therapist to help with your trauma, reach out to Lifecare Wellness Counseling to start your healing journey.
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