Experiencing a traumatic event is catastrophic enough. When no one believes your trauma, it can become even more damaging. With the right tools and treatment, you will be able to re-discover strength within yourself and set boundaries around unsupportive people.
What Is Trauma?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma results from “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances” experienced by an individual as “physically or emotionally harmful, or life threatening.” Trauma can have lasting adverse effects on how an individual functions, as well as their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. SAMHSA also mentions that trauma is an “almost universal experience of people with mental and substance use disorders.”
Types of Trauma and Statistics
Some people may experience common traumas, but it’s important to note that trauma can look vastly different from person to person. Trauma can be any event or circumstance that has negatively affected your life.
Traumatic events may include experiencing or witnessing a sexual assault, car accidents, combat, or natural disasters. They can also include events that happened during childhood, like neglect, abuse, or even growing up in a chaotic home.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives. Many people may recover within a few weeks or months, but many others will experience lasting effects throughout their lives.
Long-Term Effects of Trauma
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people may experience a “range of reactions after trauma,” and most people will recover from initial symptoms over time. Those who do not initially recover will experience long-term symptoms and may even be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The long-term effects of trauma are vast, and each individual can have a wildly different experience. This is why it’s important to remember that no two traumas will ever look the same, even if the circumstances surrounding the event are similar. Many people can experience effects like depression, addiction, and anxiety months to years after a traumatic event occurred.
When No One Believes Your Trauma
A person’s trauma is uniquely their own. It is a deeply personal experience that can leave you feeling vulnerable and afraid. If no one believes you when you talk about your trauma, it can make you feel even more frightened and alone.
Feeling unseen and invalidated can cause individuals to turn to substances or unhealthy habits to cope. It may also make you question yourself and your perception of reality. This is why it’s important to have a game plan in place to help you build a solid foundation for healing.
Why No One Believes You
Insensitive family members may tell you to “get over” your trauma or call you weak and emotional because they don’t understand it. Even if they try to have your best interests at heart, these types of remarks can push an already-vulnerable person over the edge. It’s also common for family members to be in denial over trauma, especially when it occurs in or around the home.
Child abuse, for example, is one such event that could cause denial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 91% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by “someone known and trusted by the child or the child’s family members.” This type of trauma can lead to extreme rifts in family structures.
Some people may want to keep up appearances, so they turn a blind eye to the truth. Others may not be able to comprehend a trusted adult hurting a child. Whatever the reason may be, it’s not an excuse. You deserve extreme compassion and care when it comes to your trauma.
Setting Healthy Boundaries When No One Believes You
In order to begin healing trauma, it’s important to set healthy boundaries, especially with those who don’t believe you. If it feels good to you, let your loved ones know how their words and actions make you feel. You can then tell them that you won’t be available for favors or support because you are choosing to focus on your healing.
It may also trigger you whenever you talk about your trauma with people who don’t believe you. If this is the case, you can leave these important conversations for people who will support you. A trauma recovery program, like the one at The Guest House, will ensure you have a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
Trauma Healing at The Guest House
When no one believes your trauma, you can find solace at The Guest House as you heal your mind, body, and soul. The Guest House provides a safe and supportive environment to process trauma, as well as any addictions or mental health conditions you may be experiencing. You will find compassion and understanding in our trauma-specific staff, as well as peers who have been through similar experiences.
We offer a wide variety of therapeutic modalities to help you find what works best for you. No two traumas are the same, so it’s important to have individualized care that will allow you to heal in your own unique way.
Residential and Outpatient Care
When no one believes your trauma, you can find a safe space at The Guest House. Our residential program specializes in trauma therapy, allowing you to regain your confidence one day at a time.
After residential treatment, you will find a similar structure and support in our outpatient program. Here you will find many of the same traditional and holistic therapies, like group therapy and somatic healing. The Guest House will help you re-discover yourself along your journey of healing and personal empowerment.
Traumatic experiences can have disastrous consequences on their own. If no one believes your trauma, it can make you feel even more lost and vulnerable. Each and every person experiences trauma in their own way, making it important to find the right treatment and care that will take your individualized needs into account. The Guest House is a trauma-specific care facility that will provide you with compassion and support along your journey of healing. Our holistic modalities can help you re-discover life’s joys, while traditional therapies will give you an outlet to talk through your trauma and process your emotions. For more information, give us a call today at (855) 483-7800.