When faced with difficulty, some people throw themselves into their work hoping that by ignoring the issue, it will go away, and it may. But it won’t go far. Some become focused on a strict exercise regime in order to avoid what’s going on in their heads but again, the issue will not disappear. The ‘lump’ under the carpet just keeps growing.

Thankfully, due to the work being done by so many, speaking out is far less of a taboo. The more people who own up to needing to talk, the more normal it becomes.

I’ve been working with trauma clients for over a year now. People who face the horrors that we, as Joe Public, don’t have to see or deal with. These are the people running into danger when we are running away from it. They choose to run in and help, they choose to put their lives at risk for the rest of us.

Far too often I have heard, “crying doesn’t solve anything,” – it might not solve anything, but it is our bodies’ natural release mechanism and a vital response.

Talking is another release. Everything we face and deal with becomes an energy within our bodies and upsetting issues are much more powerful energies which we need to get out of our bodies. Anger can often manifest into a headache if not expressed.

We all know how destructive stress can be but talking about it can help alleviate a lot of that that stress. If nothing else, it eases the burden.

Working with service men and women, I have witnessed firsthand, how talking helps. Being able to acknowledge what they actually and honestly felt about the situation can also transform the way they manage the issue in the future. No one can wipe the slate clean but talking about it can reduce the power of the situation or memory.

After just eight sessions with a veteran firefighter who had saved countless lives, witnessed far too many deaths and held onto so many thoughts and feelings, I watched as he talked himself back into control of those destructive thoughts and feelings. By talking about what he had held for most of his career, he was able to let go and make peace with himself.

By talking about our issues, we open ourselves up to being heard, believed and understood. We all need to know our feelings are valid and real and by expressing them, we can unravel the core issue that may be bothering us. 

Thankfully, this is coming more into the forefront of society’s mind which means people have the courage to seek out the help.

While we are all in lockdown, most, if not all, therapists are working remotely which helps fill in the gap while we are all isolated. It means there is help out there wherever you are.