Telling your traumatic story can be a difficult and emotional experience. It takes a lot of courage to open up about the things that have hurt us. It’s important that we take care of ourselves afterwards. Truthfully, recovery after telling your traumatic story can be a slow process, but there are things you can do to help yourself heal.

In this video, I talk about how opening up to my therapist was tough for me. I also tell how ballroom dancing was my way of taking care of myself.

Telling your story can bring up a lot of difficult emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel these emotions, and to not judge yourself for having them. It’s also important to take breaks when you need to. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step back and do something that helps you feel calm, like taking a walk or practicing deep breathing.

Another important aspect of recovery is finding support. This can come in many forms, such as talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or confiding in a trusted friend or family member. It’s important to have people who you can talk to about your experience and who can offer you comfort and validation.

It’s also important to practice self-care. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This could involve things like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. It’s important to do things that make you feel good and help you stay grounded.

When I was ballroom dancing, I had no idea how much it was doing for me. I’ve always been passionate about dancing, but finding out it was actually helping me deal with some deep emotional stuff I was discussing with my therapist? That was a game-changer. I continued dancing and it radically helped with my recovery.

Studies have shown that being physically active helps combat physiological responses such as anxiety and depression. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that regular exercise can be as effective as medication in treating depression. Additionally, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by producing endorphins, which are natural mood boosters (Read more here). So, if you’re looking to improve your mental health, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine may be a great place to start.

Recovery after telling your traumatic story can be a long process, but it’s important to remember that healing is possible. With time, support, and self-care, you can find a way to move forward and live a fulfilling life.