How to Heal After Being Hurt
Experiencing hurt and pain from someone can leave deep emotional wounds that can take time to heal. Whether it's a betrayal, a broken trust, or a hurtful action, it's important to take steps towards healing in order to move forward and regain a sense of emotional well-being. Here are some tips for healing after being hurt by someone:
Acknowledge and validate your emotions: It's important to recognize and validate the emotions you're feeling, whether it's anger, sadness, or betrayal. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment or shame, and give yourself the time and space to process them.
Practice self-care: I know, I know. I can almost see your eyes glaze over as I talk about self-care. But do not discount it because there is a ton of research showing how life-changing the RIGHT self care can be. Self-care is crucial for healing after being hurt by someone. I’m not talking about pedicures and bubble baths here. I’m talking about deeper, longer lasting self care including DAILY activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative hobbies. It's important to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, and to give yourself permission to take a break from responsibilities if needed.
Seek support: Talking to someone you trust about what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist, having a support system can provide validation, perspective, and guidance. Additionally, joining a support group or seeking out online communities can provide a sense of connection and validation.
Set boundaries: If the person who hurt you is still in your life, it's important to set clear boundaries to protect yourself from further harm. This can include limiting contact, setting limits on what you're willing to discuss or tolerate, or even ending the relationship altogether.
Practice forgiveness (if and when you're ready): Forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing, but it's important to recognize that it's not always necessary or possible. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning what happened, but rather, it's a way of releasing anger and resentment and moving forward. Forgiveness is a personal choice, and it's important to only do so when you feel ready and able to do so. You don’t have to forgive to heal so please do not put pressure on yourself.
Work on your current state of happiness. When we’re unhappy, depressed or anxious, we often ruminate over those who have hurt us. This only keeps us miserable. Be sure to check out my blog post on how to be happier right here.
Healing after being hurt by someone can be a difficult and complex process, but by practicing self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, and working on your overall happiness level, it is possible to move towards a place of emotional well-being and resilience. Remember to be kind and patient with yourself, and to prioritize your own healing journey.