What is Trauma Blocking?
Trauma blocking is a type of behavior that is characterized by using numerous forms of escapism in order to avoid dealing with emotional and psychological pain. This behavior usually takes the form of activities such as excessive use of social media, compulsive mindless scrolling, binge drinking, compulsive exercising, and other activities which allow the individual to temporarily avoid processing the emotional pain they are feeling.
Signs of Trauma Blocking Behavior
When it comes to recognizing the signs of trauma blocking behavior, it is important to understand that this type of behavior can manifest itself in different ways. Some of the most common signs of trauma blocking include:
- Excessive Use of Social Media: One of the most common signs of trauma blocking is excessive use of social media. This may take the form of spending hours scrolling through posts, engaging in online debates, or simply avoiding reality by engaging in activities on social media.
- Binge Drinking: Another common sign of trauma blocking is binge drinking. This behavior may be triggered by the individual feeling overwhelmed or unable to process their emotions, so they drink to temporarily numb the pain.
- Compulsive Exercising: Compulsive exercising is another sign of trauma blocking. This type of behavior involves the individual engaging in excessive amounts of exercise in order to reach a goal or to distract themselves from their emotional pain.
- Avoidance of Emotional Situations: Another sign of trauma blocking is the avoidance of emotional situations. This may involve the individual avoiding conversations or situations that may trigger a negative emotional response.
- Engaging in Self-Destructive Behaviors: The individual may also engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, anorexia, bulimia, and other forms of self-harm. This type of behavior is a sign that the individual is struggling to cope with their emotional pain and is using these behaviors as a way to cope.
Dangers of Trauma Blocking
Trauma blocking can have serious consequences on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Some of the dangers associated with this type of behavior include:
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: Trauma blocking can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety as the individual is unable to process their emotions in a healthy way. This can result in the individual feeling overwhelmed and helpless, leading to an increase in stress and anxiety.
- Depression: Trauma blocking can also lead to an increase in symptoms of depression. This is because the individual is unable to process their emotions in a healthy way and their negative thoughts and feelings become more intense.
- Self-Destructive Behaviors: The individual may also engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, anorexia, bulimia, and other forms of self-harm. This type of behavior is a sign that the individual is struggling to cope with their emotional pain and is using these behaviors as a way to cope.
- Isolation: Trauma blocking can lead to the individual feeling isolated from their loved ones, as they are unable to process their emotions and feelings in a healthy way. This can lead to the individual feeling lonely and disconnected from the people around them.
- Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: The individual may also develop unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to deal with their emotional pain. This may involve the individual engaging in drug or alcohol use, gambling, or other forms of addiction in order to cope.
How to Overcome Trauma Blocking
It is important to understand that trauma blocking is a form of coping and it is not a sign of weakness. It is important to recognize that trauma blocking is a sign that the individual is struggling to cope with their emotions in a healthy way and that it is possible to overcome this type of behavior.
- Seek Professional Help: The best way to overcome trauma blocking is to seek professional help from a mental health professional. This may involve going to counseling, joining a support group, or engaging in other forms of therapy in order to process the emotions and feelings associated with the trauma.
- Practice Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can also help the individual to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to recognize when they are engaging in trauma blocking behavior. Mindfulness can also help the individual to learn how to respond to their emotions in a healthy way.
- Focus on Self-Care: It is also important to focus on self-care in order to overcome trauma blocking. This may involve engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, or journaling in order to help the individual to process their emotions and to take care of their mental and physical health.
- Connect with Others: Connecting with other people can also be helpful in overcoming trauma blocking. This may involve engaging in activities such as talking to friends and family, joining a support group, or engaging in other forms of social activities in order to feel more connected and supported.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Developing healthy coping strategies is also an important part of overcoming trauma blocking. This may involve engaging in activities such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or other forms of relaxation techniques in order to help the individual to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Conclusion
Trauma blocking is a form of behavior that is characterized by using various forms of escapism in order to avoid dealing with emotional and psychological pain. It is important to recognize the signs of trauma blocking behavior in order to address the issue in a healthy way. It is also important to seek professional help and to focus on self-care in order to overcome trauma blocking. Finally, it is important to develop healthy coping strategies in order to manage the emotions associated with trauma blocking.
