By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

Parts 1 and 2 offer examples of trauma responses and exercises that might change the trajectory of trauma recovery. Today’s post looks at negative changes in thought and mood that can accompany trauma and 5 ideas that can help to lift our mood.

One trauma response may be to block out the traumatic event or a certain time period. I do not remember much of high school, the people or events. My family was in extreme tumult most of those years and I was in survival mode. Anyone can forget days, hours, or years related to traumatic experiences.

Another trauma response is the development of negative beliefs about self, others, or the world. “I’m worthless,” “God does not love me,” “There is no place for me in this world,” are three examples. These thoughts are distorted and may involve self-blame for the trauma, such as, “I’m fundamentally flawed because bad things happen to me.”

A persistent negative emotional state may feel as if nothing good can or will happen. This likely involves decreased interest in things one used to enjoy. A sense of hopelessness may corrupt one’s ideas about life.

A very real inability to feel positive emotions is something many overlook as they encourage someone in trauma recovery to “just cheer up.” Eventually, one may experience suicidal ideation in reaction to a negative view about oneself.

Feeling detached emotionally is common as one responds to trauma. It may occur as the traumatic event is happening, or after. I remember wandering high school hallways feeling as if I was not actually there.

There is no way to snap out of this trauma response. Sometimes, if depression is a factor, it has to run its course. Medications may help along with talk therapy. Most people who get better employ both.

Nonetheless, there are small exercises we can participate in that will lift our mood even if temporarily. Put enough of these moments together and you start to feel better.

• Gratitude list – Once started, you may find more and more for which to be thankful.
• Help someone else – Not as a people-pleaser, but a sincere effort to bless someone else without expecting anything back. This gives you a sense of purpose, too.
• Worship – Of God the Father and Jesus His Son. God is worthy of worship because He has no rival and there is no one else like Him.
• Ask for help – Get out of your head and allow others to speak life to you. Allow others to be blessed by helping you. Seek out people who will listen to you and not judge, but will also speak the truth. This could involve professionals.
• Ask for prayer – Let your church people or pastor know you need prayer support.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Isaiah 46:5, 9

5. “To whom will you compare me?
    Who is my equal?

9. Remember the things I have done in the past.
    For I alone am God!
    I am God, and there is none like me.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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!

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: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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