If you have read my previous articles you will know that I write 95% occult education articles and while this one has some common threads or topics, it is unlike the majority of my work. For good reason, we are about to enter the S.A.D season and it’s important and personal that this one gets out. In a previous article I wrote about the importance of shadow work on your healing journey, what I have yet to discuss is the recurring traumatization and flashbacks that can accompany shadow work. It may not happen to everyone, and if it does happen to you it may not happen all the time. However, when it does it can catch you off guard or potentially retraumatize you. It is imperative to be aware of the possibility and have a plan in place for if and when it does.

To start let’s define what some of these terms are:

S.A.D- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.

(Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — Symptoms & causes — Mayo Clinic )

Retraumatization- Retraumatization is a conscious or unconscious reminder of past trauma that results in a re-experiencing of the initial trauma event. It can be triggered by a situation, an attitude or expression, or by certain environments that replicate the dynamics of the original trauma. Retraumatization can also happen when a person is reminded of trauma from the past through events triggering those feelings. (What is retraumatization? | health enews )

Trauma Triggers- Trauma triggers are specific cues that remind a person of their traumatic experiences. These triggers can be anything from loud noises, smells, physical sensations, or sights to a particular place, person, object, or situation. (https://www.bing.com/ck/awhat+are+trauma+triggers+as+defined+by+psychologists)

Shadow work- Shadow work is a psychological practice that aims to bring the unconscious parts of the psyche into conscious awareness. It is based on the concept of the “shadow self,” which is the aspects of ourselves that we repress or do not like to acknowledge, such as trauma, anger, shame, and fear234. Shadow work is meant to promote emotional healing and personal growth by integrating the hidden and disowned parts of self into a single whole. ( https://www.bing.com )

So, the question is; “How does something that is supposed to help you have the potential to hurt you?”

When you are someone who has endured a plethora of traumatic life events there comes a point where you start repressing memories. There is only so much a person’s brain can hold onto, especially when it comes to trauma. Our brains are designed to protect us from the things that may hurt, so it’s really not a surprise when our subconscious mind stows away less than pleasant life experiences. The problem lies in the healing, when you start to do shadow work looking into the things that have hurt you, you may end up uncovering those well hidden, suppressed memories.

Sometimes you will question if the memory is real or if maybe you just dreamed it. Other times that memory will smack into you like a visceral slap in the face and you can’t do anything but face it in that moment. That’s part of the problem with suppressed memories, we don’t know what they are until they are no longer suppressed. Remember, that there was a reason those memories were suppressed in the first place. Most of the time to protect us from the harm that the original trauma caused. We are not in control of when those memories will resurface.

I am a firm believer in the power of Shadow work as well as inner child work. I have seen the benefits personally but also in my peers and students. I will encourage you to keep going through it when it comes to your shadow work. Bring light to the dark and take control of your life instead of allowing the trauma to be the puppet master. You can come up with a plan to guide you through those really tough moments.

For example; I have a very storied history with my older brother. When we were little he was my hero. The one who kept me safe and looked after when all the adults around me failed to do that very thing. Unfortunately, once we were adults I lost my hero and he entered his villain era in a big way. I try to keep thoughts of him buried, deeply. Unfortunately I had an instance where I was thinking about something absolutely unrelated to my brother, In that moment I was thrust head first into a suppressed memory of a significantly traumatic event that I had long since forgotten. In that moment I felt all the fear and panic that my little 9 year old self felt. I was unable to do anything about it then, and still not being able to do anything about it as an adult. In a split second I was no longer a 38 year old Mom, Wife, or Gigi. No, I was that terrified 9 year old little girl watching some serious abuse against my hero and I was helpless. It took me a while to pull back from those memories, after several moments of shock I was able to implement a few key tools I have to deal with those highly emotional moments.

Here are ten effective ways to calm down after being triggered by suppressed memories during shadow work, along with explanations of why they work and how to do them:

1.) Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to activate the body’s relaxation response. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times, focusing on the sensation of your breath to ground yourself.

2.) Meditation: Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Practice mindfulness meditation, allowing thoughts and emotions to arise and pass without judgment. This helps create a sense of detachment from triggering memories, promoting inner calm.

3.) Visualization: Picture yourself in a peaceful and safe environment, such as a serene beach or a cozy cabin in the woods. Engage your senses by imagining the sights, sounds, and smells, and let this visualization transport you to a calming mental space.

4.) Journaling: Write down your thoughts and emotions related to the triggered memories. This helps externalize the internal turmoil, providing a release and a sense of relief. Reflect on your feelings and gain clarity by exploring the root causes and possible ways to heal.

5.) Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): Tense and relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and moving up towards your head. This technique helps release physical tension caused by emotional distress, promoting a sense of relaxation.

6.) Engage in Creative Expression: Channel your emotions into a creative outlet like painting, drawing, writing, or playing an instrument. Expressing yourself artistically allows for emotional release and can provide a sense of catharsis.

7.) Physical Exercise: Engage in physical activities that help release endorphins, such as jogging, yoga, or dancing. Exercise promotes the release of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

8.) Seek Support: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist who can provide a listening ear and emotional support. Discussing your triggered memories with someone understanding can help alleviate the emotional burden and provide perspective.

9.) Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by being kind and understanding toward yourself. Remind yourself that it’s natural to experience triggers and that you are actively working on healing. Treat yourself with patience, love, and forgiveness throughout the process.

10.) Grounding Techniques: Engage your senses to bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on the physical sensations around you, such as feeling the texture of an object, listening to soothing music, or savoring the taste of a calming herbal tea. This helps anchor you in the present and reduces the intensity of triggered memories.

(Remember, everyone’s healing journey is unique, so feel free to adapt these techniques to suit your needs. If the memories and triggers become overwhelming, consider seeking professional help from a therapist experienced in trauma work.)

I encourage you to look deep within and work through those traumas so they no longer have power over you. Sometimes it’s going to feel amazing and cathartic, other moments it’s going to drop you to your knees crying, begging to not remember. Both are valid in your healing journey. In order to be free in the life you endeavor to live you must break the chains that bind you to your past, holding you hostage within the confines of your trauma. Regardless of what trauma you have experienced in your past you are allowed to live a life free from the ghosts that haunt us. You are allowed to have the beautiful life that you dream about.

If you find yourself in the thick of it and you feel like you can not go on, i encourage you to reach out to the National Suicide and Life Crisis Hotline. The number is 988. You are never alone, there are people that care for you.