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impulse

Impulsivity is not something that you can simply turn off if you do not want it anymore. To change being impulsive, you would need to change the way you think. Changing the way we think is a big challenge, especially for those suffering from past trauma. Trying to cope with past trauma can lead individuals into risky activities. Such activities may include binge drinking, unprotected sex, self-injury, or drug use. Oftentimes we do not even realize we need help until it is too late. Working with a mental health professional can help you evaluate past trauma and work through it. It is also important to work on abstaining from risky activities. Here are a few tips to help you as you begin your recovery journey. 

Think About the Consequences

There are consequences to every choice we make in life. Sometimes those consequences are no big deal, while other times they are huge and life-altering. Impulsivity can be extremely dangerous. The best thing to do is to learn to pause what you are doing and think about the consequences of what you are about to do. Determine if those consequences are worth it. Chances are they are not. By taking the time to think things through, you can avoid making decisions that can last a lifetime. 

Dig Deeper into Your Psyche

Dig deeper into yourself and try to figure out where your impulsivity started. What happened to make you start taking risks? A therapist can help you work through these thoughts and emotions. At times, it can be challenging to think back to past trauma. It can make it feel like it is happening all over again. Past emotions can come forth, making examining your past a potentially frightening experience. Once we can understand where our impulsivity comes from, however, we can better work with it.

 

Impulsivity can be a dangerous thing. Being impulsive can lead to behaviors and choices that can have lifelong consequences, and it is not something that can simply be switched off. Working with a mental health professional can help you to look deeper inside yourself, determine where your impulsivity started, and how you can work through it. Trauma can affect us in ways that we never thought possible. The therapists at The Guest House are here to help you work through past trauma and begin your recovery journey. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about all our different treatment options.