Guest Blog (c)2020 by Julie A. Reed, LPC, NCC, CCTP

Many, if not most of us, have been through some traumatic event in our lives. When you think back to
your childhood you may see flashes of violence, abuse, neglect, or addiction. This might have been
your “normal”. This might still be your “normal”. When we live through trauma something happens to
us, without our knowledge. Lies are quietly spoken to our psyches. So, what are these lies and who
whispers them to those of us who have suffered trauma?

First, let’s define trauma. Merriam-Webster defines trauma as; an exceedingly difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems usually for a long time. But why does “a very difficult or unpleasant experience cause someone to have mental or emotional problems”? Sounds like a silly question, right? One could answer; because it was scary, anxiety provoking, hurtful, debilitating, horrific, physically painful, and the list goes on. But this still does not answer the why of my question. Let’s break it down even further. What is the connection between experiencing trauma and internalizing it, resulting in, what Merriam-Webster calls, “mental or emotional problems”?

When a person experiences a traumatic event such as rape, abuse, neglect, or domestic violence,
there is a strong chance, especially if these things are experienced as a child, that negative messages
will worm their way into our subconscious. What are these messages and who is sending them?
Sometimes it is people around us, sometimes, believe or not, we ourselves are generating these
thoughts. If you have ever experienced trauma, I invite you to answer this question. Have you caught
yourself thinking things like; “I’m not lovable”, “I’m stupid”, “it was my fault this happened to me”, “I must deserve this”, “I don’t matter”, “there must be something wrong with me”? If you have, I assure you, you are not alone. And there is good news, these negative thoughts you were programmed to believe are LIES.

The good news is, there is hope for healing. Stay tuned for Part 2 which will be posted on Sunday January 9. – COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Julie Reed is owner of Reed Counseling and offers her expertise in Northeastern Ohio. If you live in the Cleveland area, you may reach Julie at 440-742-4425 or Jareedcounseling.com

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 119:28-29

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}