Have you ever been told to “just deal with it”? Or our personal favorite “just be positive”.
As professional psychotherapists, we’re here to tell you, it’s not that easy.
Here are a few reasons why healing from our challenges, traumas, and stress requires time, compassion and care.
1. Our life experiences vary.
Our narratives vary from person to person. We have different lived experiences that have shaped our development and influenced the way we view the world. Our individual experiences, whether impacted by family dynamics, trauma, losses, transitions, and attachment will differ from one to the other. Therefore, the healing and recovery journey for each individual is unique.
2. We view life experiences differently and can’t compare.
How we view the world is colored by our experiences and narratives. Even if two people went through the same challenge or trauma, their perception of the event will be different. What is experienced as a trauma for one person, may not be for someone else. It’s important to remember not to compare how we manage certain life challenges or symptoms to others.
3. Healing is not a linear process.
We are often discouraged when we feel like we’ve had a setback or are “back to square one” during our journey. The work you’ve done has not gone to waste. There may be setbacks, but the skills and tools you gained will help you move forward and be more equipped for the next challenge. Cut yourself some slack, the ups and downs are normal.
4. There are many ways to heal.
Healing happens in so many different spaces, whether it’s connecting with professional mental health services, community, artistic mediums, faith, and the list goes on. With regards to seeking out therapy, it’s important to remember that therapeutic interventions are not " on size fits all". There are some interventions that are helpful for some, but may not necessarily connect with others. Therefore, connecting with a psychotherapist that is able to tailor a treatment that best fits the client's need is key.
There are many aspects of our lives where a quick fix can be superficial, but could also be detrimental. The details and processes that we often neglect in order to find a quick "fix" are vital in developing awareness, self fulfilment and change.
Remember that our healing journey is a process, so take your time and be gentle with yourself when seeking support.
Author’s Note:
We always recommend to seek professional counselling from a mental health or medical professional. However, we recognize that there is a lot of false information online.
We hope to play our part in providing accessible mental health education from licensed psychotherapists. Please feel free to reach out to us with any particular questions.