Your social network can fill your cup when you feel depleted. It’s important to know who to turn to when things get tough. Because isolation is common in trauma, rebuilding relationships with the posttraumatic state should be part of the goal setting and healing process. This may include having to have some difficult conversations about what happened and why the world was shut out for a while. But, it’s true: ‘Those who matter won’t mind and those who mind don’t matter. Genuine members of your support system will pull up a chair and offer a listening ear.
When you’re considering who you can turn to for support, you might include your closest friends, loved ones, and family members. You might also include business colleagues, professional acquaintances, mentors you’ve had, and those that are embarking on similar paths. Are you part of a support group? Do you attend counseling? Who do you typically turn to when you just need to vent?
Your support network can include individuals from many different facets of your life. And, it should. You wear many hats and others know you in many different ways. It’s important to make time to socialize with positive people who know each piece of your inner self. Being able to talk through the process with others is especially cathartic and laughter truly is the best medicine.
Make sure you take the time to schedule meetups and stay active in the community as much as possible, too. Doing so will ensure you are interconnected, and isolation is a thing of the past. You might take up a passion project that facilitates healing and meet those with similar interests along the way.
It is, however, still important to make time for quiet moments of self-reflection, too, so you can check in and consider where you’re at. Again, this journey is all about balance. And, part of maintaining balance is deciding when you need to vent and when you need to relax and collect your thoughts. Remember, being alone and reflecting is far different from isolating. You should feel as if you can share your ups and downs and ask for advice in difficult situations whenever needed. You should also check in with yourself regularly to preserve the energy you need to keep moving forward.