Trauma isn’t something you can just get over with a snap of your fingers. When we are traumatized, we always lose something.
If you missed our other blogs that are a part of this series of ‘Why You Can’t Just Get Over It’, click on the links below to find out more.
Why you can’t just get over it (Intro - Part 1)
Why you can’t just get over it (Denial - Part 2)
Why you can’t just get over it (Anger - Part 3)
Why you can’t just get over it (Bargaining- Part 4)
Why you can't just get over it (Depression - Part 5)
And, if you are continuing with us, to conclude the full 5 stages let’s move into the last stage of the 5 stages of trauma together - Acceptance.
Stage 5: Acceptance
The ultimate phase of trauma is a constructive step towards recovery—acceptance. Reaching stage 5 of trauma indicates you have processed and recognized what occurred, enabling you to cope with the associated emotions and aftermath more effectively.
Acceptance often involves forgiving the person who hurt you or accepting what happened to you. This does not mean you have forgiven, but rather that you have acknowledged the impact on your life.
Achieving the acceptance stage is a positive move, though it may not always feel pleasant in the final trauma phase. Accepting your trauma could trigger feelings of sadness, grief, and anger. However, getting to this stage can make these emotions more controllable and improve your ability to handle them.
How to deal with stage 5
Avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself to improve or rush into acceptance prematurely. Reaching acceptance of trauma is a gradual process that can span years, with fluctuations in emotions and realities. This insight comes from personal experience, emphasizing the importance of patience and self-understanding.
To navigate the acceptance stage, seek help from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Acknowledge your progress in reaching acceptance of trauma - it is a big deal and should be recognized.