When you’ve gone through a traumatic event, it takes time to get to a normal mental, emotional, and physical state. Oftentimes, we want to get back to the person we were before the traumatic event, and we want to get there fast.

One of the key things to keep in mind, is that you don’t need to return to the exact person you were before the traumatic event. Instead, your focus should be on becoming a renewed version of yourself.

Focus on growing in areas you’re not as strong in, such as becoming someone who can handle problems in a more adept manner. Additionally, focus on becoming someone who can see their struggles from a more conducive perspective. For instance, if you tend to react very strongly to life events, you want to get to the place where you have a more balanced emotional reaction.

In the aftermath of a traumatic event, you may feel you like you are getting better very slowly. But it’s natural for healing to take time. Patience and willingness during this period of your life, is necessary.

Not putting too much emphasis on a specific timeline to feel better is important. You may have a better appetite 2-3 months after the event. However, you may still not get good sleep until many months later.

The less you worry about those things, the more those things will naturally come to you.

In order for the healing process to progress, you must continue to take the necessary steps, despite having feelings of frustration towards the pace of your progress.

Many people may battle having more social anxiety and not feeling like themselves in social situations after a traumatic event. It’s important to continue putting yourself out there, in spite of those feelings, because those actions will aide in your healing.

Furthermore, you have to be willing to do the uncomfortable. You may have to get a job even though you feel insecure about your capabilities. You may have to do some things on your own, despite not feeling ready.

Taking action is a necessary component of progress.

It’s also very important to find a support system. Having a support system whether it’s through work, family, friends, or mental health services, can help you through the aftermath. It can also motivate you to get better.

Ultimately, life after a traumatic event, may look different for you. It isn’t easy, and it can leave you feeling depressed, numb and hopeless. But remember to take the necessary actions towards healing, and give your body the grace and time to heal.

As time goes on, you’ll notice parts of yourself starting to come back slowly. You’ll notice things getting better little by little.

And, in due time, you will be pleasantly surprised at the renewed person you become.