Everyone suffers pain at some point in their lives. It may be fleeting or all-consuming, but either way, it hurts. And over time, it can cause subtle changes in behavior–not for the better:
Trust less: When we’re broken, it can be hard to put faith in anyone, even our loved ones. We become wary and afraid that something terrible could happen again.
Overthink more: We tend to dwell on the negative when we’re feeling hurt. Simple decisions suddenly become complex and overwhelming.
Shut people out: Our first instinct is to put up a wall. We need time to be alone and let the wounds heal.
“Catastrophize”: After suffering trauma, we may start to focus on the worst case scenario. It’s more than anxiety and can make the pain worse.
During these times, it’s better not to be alone. Reach out to supportive friends and professional help if necessary. You may find the video below useful.
– Barbara Bent
