Healing the Invisible Wounds: Understanding and Overcoming Trauma

"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds." – Laurell K. Hamilton

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A Personal Story From A. 

During the 2020 lockdown, I was at home with my family. What began as a routine day, filled with mundane tasks or idle moments like many other lockdown days, suddenly turned into a terrifying event that I still shudder to remember.

While my dad was at work, my mom and siblings were tending to the shop (our family business). Around noon, our quiet day was shattered by a deafening explosion, followed by a barrage of gunshots. The building trembled. My sibling and I dropped to the floor, covering our ears as panic took hold. My mother, acting quickly, instructed us to retreat into the house connected to the shop while she locked up.

Once inside, my mother secured every door and window. Meanwhile, gunshots continued to echo, each one reverberating through us. We lay on the floor for what felt like an eternity, fear coursing through our veins. I counted 108 shots; each one filled me with a fresh wave of terror. They seemed to be right outside our door.

My thoughts raced. I worried about my family. Would the gunmen barge into our home? Would they harm my dad? My mom frantically tried calling him, but there was no answer. His office was near the town's police station, and we hoped he was safer there.

Hours later, the gunfire ceased, and distant conversations indicated that people were venturing out. Still, I couldn’t move. My mom kept trying to call my dad, but there was no response, no familiar “hello” greeting us.

When we finally left our room and peeked outside, a few people were cautiously gathering, discussing what had happened. We stayed inside, anxious and afraid. Later that afternoon, my dad returned home. He shared that he had hidden in his office after hearing the gunshots. Armed robbers had attacked the only bank in town, starting by eliminating any threat at the police station. Their ruthless operation continued with blasts and gunfire to terrify the town and avoid interference.

While the attack was horrifying, what lingered was the trauma it left behind.

The Lingering Impact

In the months that followed, I dismissed the depth of my scars. But one night, when visiting a friend, a single gunshot shattered the quiet. My friend remained calm, while I instinctively dove to the floor, covering my head. She watched, shocked by my reaction. I was equally stunned by her calmness. After a long explanation, she gently suggested I might be dealing with PTSD. I brushed it off.

But I was living in fear. Every loud sound—a car backfiring, fireworks, even sudden bangs—sent me into a spiral of panic. I would drop to the floor, sweating, hyperventilating, and overwhelmed by memories. This constant fear robbed me of my sense of safety. This is what trauma does.

My Healing

It took time to process those terrifying moments. First, I had to acknowledge my trauma and its impact on my life. With support, I gradually found ways to manage the memories and anxiety my trauma left behind. Talking openly with trusted people also helped me express my fears and emotions. 

Through therapy, I learned calming techniques and practiced mindfulness to calm my mind and body whenever I felt triggered. Over time, I began to feel more grounded and less controlled by the painful memories. I’m still healing, but these techniques have become second nature, helping me regain control, reduce anxiety, and move forward.

What is Trauma?

In mental health, trauma refers to the response to deeply distressing events that leave lasting marks on our minds and bodies. Trauma can stem from various experiences, such as sudden accidents, illness, abuse, loss of a loved one, or any incident that overwhelms us and leaves us feeling helpless. Trauma isn't limited to physical harm; emotional and psychological wounds can be equally damaging.

Trauma can alter our view of the world and ourselves. Those affected often feel unsafe, and vulnerable, and struggle to trust others. Reminders of the trauma—sounds, smells, places—can trigger powerful reactions, making it feel as if the event is happening again.

Understanding and acknowledging trauma is the first step toward healing. While the journey may be long, it is possible to find a renewed sense of safety and regain control over your life. Healing takes patience, support, and sometimes professional help, but with care, it can happen.