"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
Michelangelo
Welcome! This blog is about my random thoughts, colourful pictures and paintings, some of my pencil drawings, reflections on things I feel strongly about and my experiences as I journey through life. Hope you enjoy it. Feel free to add your comments and suggestions, but please refrain from spam, racist or uncomfortable comments. Thanks for visiting!

Monday 4 November 2024

Trauma - Loss of Self Identity


Our thoughts, behaviors, words, perceptions, actions are shaped and influenced by our build up/make (the way our brain is wired etc), childhood experiences, our experiences as the years go by and life lessons. 

A safe, secure childhood and worldly experience pave way for a happy, healthy and peacefully content life. 

Traumatic experiences slowly chip away at our self confidence, self respect, self esteem, self worth and ultimately self identify. 

Examples of Trauma are physical, verbal, mental, emotional, financial, sexual abuse. 

Physical abuse: Domestic violence, crime, accidents, physical assault, medical illness, man made/natural disasters, terrorism, war zone/combat situation, witnessing physical violence

Verbal abuse: Constant criticism, shouted at, belittlement, bullying, constant nagging 

Emotional Abuse: Neglect, humiliation, silent treatment, divorce, death of loved one, lack of recognition, gaslighting, absentee parents or loved ones, never praised or encouraged, instability, walking on eggshells, witnessing death

Mental/Spiritual Abuse: Separation from a care giver, lack of attention and parental love, rejection, racism, religious persecution, denial of identity persecuted for gender, sexual orientation, generational trauma

Financial abuse: Childhood poverty, loss of job, loss of wealth, business failure, money challenges, poverty thinking, robbery

Sexual abuse: Sexual harassment, molestation, rape

The effects of traumatic events are feelings of  
anger,
fear,
shame, 
grief, 
helplessness, 
powerlessness, 
inability to cope with change, 
trust issues, 
inability to hold a job, 
unstable relationships, 
forgetfulness, 
unable to be punctual, 
procrastination, 
substance abuse, 
limerence, 
confusion, 
poor emotional maturity, 
shock/horror, 
hypervigilance, 
blaming oneself, 
endless and constant rumination, 
dissociation, 
people pleasing, 
flashbacks, 
personality disorders, 
attachment issues, 
depression, 
anxiety, 
excessive worry, 
panic attacks, 
anxiety attacks, 
self neglect, 
self harm, 
inability to make decisions (analysis paralysis), 
insomnia, 
eating disorders, 
anhedonia (loss of interest in hobbies and living, losing the ability to feel pleasure), 
numbness (feeling empty), 
suicidal ideation and 
loss of self identity.

Learning about trauma and rebuilding/regaining self identity can help lead better lives. 

How do we build self identity, self esteem and self worth? With Self Love.


Self love