The word trauma in Greek means wound, hurt, or defeat. This was something I learned last Monday from a virtual seminar titled Understanding Trauma, hosted by husband-and-wife cognitive behavioral coaches Gino and Noreen Elaria.
The couple behind Transcend Life Solutions spent two hours explaining the basics of trauma to more than a hundred participants and shared the value of seeking help through licensed therapists and coaches. Aside from providing practical information, the session provided hope to anyone yearning for recovery.
Based on the discussion and my personal research, grief is one of the main causes of trauma. Traumatic grief is a response to a sudden, often unexpected loss. And this, I learned, is not limited to death. Loss of a relationship, a missed opportunity, and even material loss can lead one to experience grief.
As many people who have gone through grief would say, it is such a tricky feeling. In a moment you may feel you’re okay but also find yourself on the verge of crying the next minute. I once overheard someone say that the pain from grief never really goes away but we just learn to live with it over time.
The first step in dealing with grief and trauma is acknowledging the real situation. Keep things real and raw to yourself and be prepared to get some help. If you are unsure of what you are experiencing, try to be open and consult a professional.
While you figure things out, licensed Korean-American licensed therapist Jeanie Y. Chang listed down on her Instagram post some Korean drama titles you can watch to understand both grief and trauma in various forms. As a mental health expert specializing in those concepts, Jeanie is giving us the perfect excuse to have our K-drama fix. These are the same series she has been recommending to her clients to help them navigate their emotions: Thirty-Nine, Go Back Couple, Chocolate, Hi Bye, Mama, Goblin, If You Wish Upon Me, Move To Heaven, Hotel del Luna, Call it Love, Thirty but Seventeen, Divorce Attorney Shin, Be Melodramatic, Uncontrollably Fond, and Just Between Lovers
Please note that viewing does not automatically equate to recovery. Taking action is still the key. Overcome grief and trauma and get your life back by reaching out to a certified mental health practitioner.
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