5 Ways Trauma Can Impact Your Life

And how to take back control  

"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence." -  Peter A. Levine

If you’ve experienced trauma, you’re not alone. Trauma has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our daily lives, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. It can shape how we see ourselves, how we connect with others, and even how we experience the world around us. But here’s the truth: Trauma does not define you. You have the power to heal, grow, and reclaim your life.

Let’s talk about five ways trauma can affect your quality of living and what you can do about it.

1. It Can Disrupt Your Emotional Well-Being

Have you ever felt stuck in a loop of anxiety, sadness, or numbness without fully understanding why? Trauma can leave emotional imprints that make it difficult to regulate your feelings. You might find yourself reacting strongly to situations that seem minor or struggling to feel anything at all.

But here’s the good news: Healing is possible. Seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions without judgment are all steps toward emotional freedom.

2. It Can Impact Your Relationships

Trauma can make it hard to trust, even when you want to. You might push people away, fear abandonment, or struggle to open up. Maybe conflict feels unbearable, or maybe closeness does. Either way, trauma can make relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or family-based, feel like a challenge.

To turn this situation around, you’ll need to prioritize self-awareness and communication in your relationship with people. Recognizing your patterns and talking with trusted friends, family, partner, or therapist can help you build healthier, more fulfilling connections.

3. It Can Affect Your Physical Health

In my many years as a mental health therapist, I have met many clients who complain about pain in different parts of their bodies. The truth about this is that when the mind doesn’t stay in the mind, it shows up in the body. Trauma can contribute to headaches, chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and even a weakened immune system. Stress responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn can also keep your body in a constant state of tension.

This is why I keep telling my clients that mental health is just as important as their physical health. In many ways, the two are intertwined. An attack on physical health can negatively affect your mental health and vice versa.

The solution to this is easy - Self-care. Self-care is not just a word we throw around, it is a necessity. Engaging in activities like yoga, deep breathing, and regular movement can help your body find safety again. And if physical symptoms persist, working with a healthcare provider or therapist can offer additional support.

4. It Can Influence Your Self-Worth

Experiencing trauma might have you struggling with feelings of shame, guilt, or self-doubt. Maybe you feel you are not enough or carry the weight of past experiences as if they define you. Trauma can distort your self-perception, making it hard to see yourself with kindness and compassion.

But here’s something to hold onto: You are not your trauma. Challenge negative self-talk, start practicing self-compassion, and surround yourself with people who love and uplift you. 

5. It Can Shape Your Outlook on Life

If you’ve been through trauma, you might see the world differently. Your perception of the world might be that it is unsafe, brutal, unpredictable, or unfair. It can be hard to believe in a future filled with joy and possibilities. But healing is about learning to hope again, to see beyond the pain and recognize that better days are possible.

You have to put in the work if you want to change the way you see the world. It really is possible to believe in a happy, hopeful, and beautiful future for yourself. You can start by creating routines that bring you lots and lots of comfort. For instance, I enjoy going for a walk every morning. This is a great start to my day. Over the years, this particular habit has brought me a lot of comfort. 

So, create routines that bring you comfort, find moments of gratitude, and remind yourself that you are resilient. If hope feels out of reach, talking to a therapist can help you find your way back to it.

If any of this resonates with you, please know that you don’t have to navigate trauma alone. Reaching out to a mental health professional can be a powerful step toward healing. You are not broken, and your past does not define your future.

Healing takes time, but every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward reclaiming your life. You are strong, you are worthy, and you are capable of writing a new chapter. 

If you’re ready to take that step, consider speaking with me today. You deserve support, and you don’t have to do this alone.

How to Prevent Trauma from Controlling Your Life

You can heal from trauma. The pain, the triggers, and the emotional weight can feel overwhelming, but healing is possible. Healing from trauma is not about erasing the past; it’s about learning how to move forward with strength and self-compassion. It’s about choosing for yourself every single day.

So, how do you prevent trauma from taking over your life? 

1. Shift your focus from what hurt you to what heals you.

I know it’s easier said than done. When trauma takes hold, it’s tempting to replay the pain, to stay stuck in the ‘why me?’ But focusing only on what happened keeps you in the past. Healing happens when you shift your energy toward what helps you feel better. Please note that this doesn't mean ignoring your pain or brushing your hurt aside. Healing is not about ignoring the pain, it’s about finding ways to release it..

To begin shifting your focus to what heals you, you must have acknowledged your pain, your trauma, accept that it already happened, and be willing to move past it. 

You move past it by finding something that makes you feel safe, be it journaling, a quiet morning routine, tending to pets, running, caring for plants, or talking to a trusted friend. Find something that makes you feel safe and build a routine.

Does listening to music, painting, or moulding with clay bring you peace?  If yes, then stick with it. If you are unsure what brings you peace, try your hand at different hobbies, crafts, or activities and pick something that excites you.

2. Rewrite the Story You Tell Yourself

Healing starts with you. Trauma can make you believe things about yourself that aren’t true. Maybe you’ve told yourself: “I am broken”, “ I will never be happy again”, or “ I don’t deserve love”. But here’s the truth: You are whole. You are capable of joy. You are worthy of love.

The way you speak to yourself matters. The more you replace negative self-talk with words of encouragement, the more you reshape your reality. Be gentle with yourself. Instead of saying, “I’m too damaged,” try saying, “I am healing, and I am strong.”

3. Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You Up

I know I mentioned this earlier in this article, but I think it is worth mentioning again. The people you surround yourself with can influence how fast or effective your healing comes. Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s okay. But you don’t have to walk this path alone. Find people who support you and see you for who you truly are, not just your trauma. If you don't have a trusted family member or friend, consider joining a support group or group therapy; they are very helpful.

4. Seek Professional Support

You are strong, but strength doesn’t mean facing everything by yourself. Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s an act of courage. A mental health professional can give you the tools and guidance to navigate your healing journey.

If you’re struggling, reach out. Every step you take toward healing, no matter how small, is a victory. Every day you choose to invest in yourself is a sign of strength. 

You are not your trauma, you are your healing.