Trauma Related Symptoms Pessimism
youtu.be
Pessimism or negativity is a common side effect of trauma. When people experience trauma, they feel unsafe and powerless, which triggers their fight or flight response and leads to feelings of anger or anxiety. Trauma memories are often stronger than happy memories, causing individuals to view the world through a lens of constant danger. This can lead to cognitive distortions and a pessimistic outlook on life.
To address pessimism, it is important to help individuals ground themselves in the present moment and evaluate whether they are safe and empowered. They should also make an effort to notice positive things in their surroundings. Just like noticing both a cottonmouth snake and the beauty of the forest, it is crucial to balance out negative events with positive ones. Research suggests that for every stressful event, individuals need to notice about five happy events to counterbalance the impact of trauma memories.
Keeping a journal or log of positive experiences can be helpful for those who feel unnecessarily pessimistic. Spending just 20 minutes a day focusing on the positive can train the brain to be more aware of the overall situation, rather than solely focusing on the negative. This exercise is like a workout for the mind and can have long-lasting effects.
Another tip for dealing with negativity is to write down stressful thoughts on paper and put them in a box. Then, set aside 30 minutes a day to go through these thoughts and examine their accuracy in the present context. This allows individuals to process their emotions and find ways to address the issues that are causing negativity, ultimately helping them move towards a more fulfilling life.
Pessimism or negativity is a common side effect of trauma. When people experience trauma, they feel