What is Trauma Blocking?

Posted on Apr 17, 2023 | 0 comments

After experiencing trauma, it is completely natural to want to forget all of it. Many people will do anything possible to forget. This is called trauma blocking. It means emotional avoidance of the pain we are feeling. It is behavior that is meant to suppress traumatic feelings so it is easier for one to cope in life.

I mean after all, the less opportunity you have to think about the trauma, the easier it is to pretend it never happened, right?! Wrong!!!

When we allow our brains to succumb to trauma blocking, we are allowing very unhealthy neural pathways to dig deep, creating subconscious limiting beliefs that can hold us back for a lifetime.

Trauma blocking is a natural coping mechanism that is meant to protect, so what then does it look like? Keep reading to find out.

What Trauma Blocking Looks Like

Here are a few examples of ways our brain will trick us into blocking our trauma –

Excessive use of social media and compulsive mindless scrolling
Binge drinking every night and weekend when you do not have to work
Overeating, all the time, even when not hungry
Compulsive gambling, shopping or porn habits, anything to distract
Over exercising to reach unrealistic goals
Being so uncomfortable alone you stay in toxic relationships way too long
The fear of having nothing to do and constantly seeking new projects
Becoming a workaholic

How To Deal With Trauma Blocking

Unfortunately you have to face your trauma head on to heal. But you will do that when you are ready. To get you there, here are a few tips:

Meditation & Yoga
Find your tribe, you are not alone, find people you can vibe with to gain integral social support
Therapy – whether you find a life coach, therapist, support group or psychologist, there are tons of resources out there to help
Create a list of healthier coping mechanisms, such as journaling, healthy exercise, hobbies that interest you

It’s true that a distraction from negative feelings can be very powerful – if it is a temporary measure. The problem that exists with trauma blocking is that it spirals out of control and becomes all you can do. Read this post on dissociation for more info, but when trauma blocking starts to take over your life, it is time to address the negative emotions, explore them and turn your pain into purpose.

If you are ready,click here to take my FREE Unhealed Trauma quiz. It will take less than 3 minutes and is filled with valuable info. Drop me a line and let me know how you did, I would love to be a part of your healing journey.

Cheers,

Malibu Mama Loves Xx