How Can Men Face Trauma and Embrace Healing in Recovery?

Trauma in recovery is no easy thing to face for anyone. Men can struggle with it in different ways than women can in that they are facing battles differently and with a different emotional mindset quite often than women. While many men face trauma, not all of them become addicted to substances. Many often do hold in their feelings and emotions and find it difficult to release those old memories and learn how to become stronger and more resilient in recovery. Learn how facing trauma head on can help embrace healing.

How Trauma Works

In describing how trauma works in the brain, researchers have found a person can dissociate or block out memories. The body does not forget the trauma in what is called tissue memory. Experiences not deal with have a way of coming out one way or another. The bodies speak, so the saying goes. The languages they speak usually come out as:

Chronic pain
Addiction
Sleep issues
Anger
Depression
Chronic unhappiness
Self protection

When stories are brought into the light, they can finally heal and not linger in the darkness any longer.

Community Heals

The special connection men have with other men in sharing common stories helps them cope. Not holding it all in or risking judgment from the women in their lives can help heal old wounds. Professional help is often better than trusted friends in this regard. Healing involves typically the following three things:

A need to feel safe and away from the source of trauma
A need to know how to cope with some of the pain. Professionals may help but also knowing how to breathe and express hidden pain through writing, music, or other means can help. Mindfulness, spiritual practices, and other calm routines also help
Hearing a story without judgment. Working at understanding the self better and when to listen to the body can help as the body does not lie

Healing can feel like the whole earth crumbling in at once, but the cavalcade lasts a short time. Be prepared by being surrounded by safe people in a safe space and find hope with those who care. Men can face trauma and heal when they are in a place where they feel heard and can identify ways they need to heal in recovery.

The Last Resort provides a safe, supportive environment for men in a retreat-like setting. Nature is an important component of recovery and healing. We strive to provide a place of enrichment that cultivates the inner as well as the outer journey of recovery. However you find your way to the Last Resort, we endeavor to provide a haven where you can journey through recovery feeling like your life and story have meaning and a purpose. Call us to find out more: 512-750-6750.