In one of the first episodes of First Line, I interviewed Jay Corbett, a First Line listener and podcast host. We discussed his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder and how he has used past adversities as motivation to help others. Listen to the full episode here.
Childhood trauma is common and often has a pervasive effect that extends into adulthood. Other past hardships may involve abuse, which can come in many forms. Some individuals experience complicated grief that continues to affect their lives years later. No matter the severity of challenges, many people allow experiences to take control of them while others can overcome them. Though adversity will always have a lasting effect, it is possible to move forward despite that and become stronger because of it. Believing in the possibility of growth is the first step; acceptance that the past cannot change is necessary for resilience. When individuals do not intentionally reach for positivity, they may fall victim to unhealthy coping mechanisms that are often further self-destructive, such as seeking isolation, allowing feelings of anger to fester, or even developing a substance use disorder.
Individuals who have encountered significant hardships may find difficulty in practicing self-care. They may blame themselves or even believe they were deserving of their trauma. Using adversities to help others can be a gateway to personal acceptance and self-love. When you use your past as a source of empathy, you can see the significance of a previously meaningless event. Many victims of abuse or trauma find it easier to care for others than for themselves. However, as they tell others how much they matter and how they can find the strength to move forward, the messengers start to believe this about themselves.
The process takes time and is never fully finished. With trauma or grief, it could take years to feel ready even for that first step. Engagement in therapy is critically important. Ultimately, individuals who have encountered significant hardship will still need to find a way to forgive and accept, which structured sessions may not achieve. Helping others can serve as this opportunity to add meaning to the hardship.
With trauma, grief, and past abuse, spiritual health plays a prominent role in addition to mental health. For many individuals, including Jay Corbett, Jesus Christ is a source of hope and forgiveness. The reminder that this life is not forever and that God is in control can be significantly comforting. For many Christians, finding answers in the Word and crying out through prayer and worship are powerful coping techniques. The belief that God can use someone who seems significantly flawed on the surface is a theme present throughout the Bible. When you have a deeply trusting relationship with Jesus, it is much more difficult to believe those self-critical beliefs that you are worthless or undeserving. When you view eternity as a Christian, many adversities seem less significant.
Rising above past hardships is a choice to make. The decision is there despite the severity of the trauma, abuse, or grief. The journey may be lifelong, but that journey can start now.
For more motivation and encouragement, listen to the related episode here.