What happens when the voice of trauma is not heard?
When the voice of trauma is not heard, acknowledged, recognized, or most importantly, treated, it finds other ways to be validated. Commonly, people who have been abused develop maladaptive coping behaviors which are valiantly masked as survival because it is survival. Through the mask speaks a voice which may even advocate for trauma, speak on behalf of survivors, and bravely confront the world for the toxic secrets it keeps. However, if the true voice behind the mask hasn’t been liberated from its dysfunction, that is, the dysfunction of not healing from trauma, that voice is constantly strained by the need to survive. Words will fall short. Messages will not be transmitted. People who have survived abuse trauma want so desperately to give to others, but they cannot give what they do not have: peace.
Therapy and treatment are often the first time people are able to recognize that some of their beliefs about themselves and how they are supposed to live life don’t actually belong to them, but to outside sources. It is also the first time people recognize that the effects of their trauma has caused them to live behind a mask and speak with a voice yearning for authenticity. Such programming and effort have benefit in functionality, for a time.
We typically aren’t advised to run on broken legs, sprained ankles, or fractured feet. When something medically inhibits us from safely and efficiently performing life functions, we take a break. We are encouraged to abstain from participating in any kind of routine behavior which might exacerbate our current injury and cause additional harm. We are told to stop, rest, and do everything possible to heal our wounds. Essentially, we are told it is vital to create the space necessary to deal with the injury, be injured, and heal the injury. A doctor would never say to a patient they need to “get over” a sprained ankle and “power through” a marathon; let alone tell a patient to run the marathon and not dare mention their injury.
In a world largely uninformed about the innumerable mental as well as physical effects of living with trauma, people are constantly told to “get over” their substantial injuries and “power through” the marathon of life. As well, they are told to be silent about what they have endured- to not dare give voice to the pain causing immense suffering. Consequently, millions of people around the world metaphorically run the marathon of life like it is a sprint for survival, all on ubiquitous broken legs. Though this works for a time, even a lifetime, very often, it stops working at some point. The injury can no longer be masked- and the voice of trauma can no longer be suppressed.
The Guest House Ocala specializes in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues like anxiety. Everyone has a story. If you are living with unmanageable anxiety as a result of trauma it is critical for you to know, you are not alone. Help is available. You can and you will recover. Call us today for information on our custom plans of treatment and our private luxury care: 1-855-483-7800