Fatigue After Trauma – How to Cope With It

Fatigue after traumatic experiences can feel overwhelming and all-encompassing. When we go through difficult events like divorce, accidents involving loved ones, toxic relationships, or personal trauma, the exhaustion we feel is not just physical. It’s a deep, emotional, and mental weariness that seeps into every aspect of our lives. For me, fatigue became a constant companion—one that lingered through each day, pulling at me, reminding me of the weight I was carrying.

This kind of fatigue is not just about being tired; it’s the kind of tired that makes even the smallest task feel monumental. It’s waking up every day and already feeling drained, like your body and mind are running on empty. But the hardest part is that it’s not always easy to recognize what’s happening, or to know how to cope with it. For a long time, I didn’t give myself permission to rest, thinking I had to keep pushing through. I thought if I just kept going, things would get better. But the truth is, without acknowledging how deeply exhausted I was, I wasn’t giving myself the space I needed to heal.

Learning to cope with this kind of fatigue required a shift in perspective. It meant recognizing that rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And rest doesn’t just mean sleeping—it’s about allowing yourself time to pause, to breathe, and to not constantly push yourself. I realized that I didn’t have to be “fine” all the time. In fact, I couldn’t be fine until I allowed myself to rest and recharge, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Resting is not laziness; it’s an investment in the future. Until I gave my body and mind the chance to heal, I couldn’t move forward.

At first, it was hard to accept that I needed rest. I didn’t want to confront how much I had been pushing myself to the brink. But over time, I began to realize that I could take small steps toward healing by simply allowing myself to be still when I needed it. It wasn’t about running away from my responsibilities but giving myself permission to take a break when my body was telling me it couldn’t keep going. Whether it was sitting in silence for a few minutes, taking a quiet walk, or just listening to music, these small moments of rest helped me feel more grounded.

Another lesson I learned was how important it is to listen to your body. Trauma and stress often manifest physically, and we’re quick to ignore those signs, especially when we’re caught in the hustle of life. But when we don’t listen, we end up in a place of total exhaustion. Over time, I became more attuned to my body’s signals. I started noticing when my muscles were tense, when my energy levels were low, or when I had trouble sleeping. These were the moments when I needed to slow down, not push harder.

Physical activity, even something as simple as taking a walk or doing light stretching, became a lifeline for me. I found that moving my body, in a gentle way, could help reduce stress and lift my mood. And yet, there were days when I had to remind myself that it was okay to rest, too. It wasn’t about forcing myself to be active all the time; it was about finding balance—giving myself the permission to be still when needed, and to move when I could.

Therapy was another important part of my healing journey. For a long time, I resisted the idea of going to therapy. I wasn’t sure how it would help, or if I was ready to face everything I had been through. But eventually, I realized that talking to someone who could truly understand my pain made all the difference. Having a space to express my emotions without fear of judgment helped me feel less isolated and more seen. Over time, I began to understand that healing isn’t a linear process. Some days were harder than others, and that was okay. Therapy gave me the tools to navigate those tough days and to understand my emotions on a deeper level.

Creating small rituals in my day also became an essential tool for restoring balance. After trauma, life can feel chaotic, and our sense of stability often slips away. That’s why I started introducing small, comforting routines. It could be as simple as having a cup of tea at the same time every morning, or taking a short walk in the afternoon. These little rituals helped me feel more in control of my day and gave me something to look forward to. They provided a sense of structure in the midst of uncertainty.

But perhaps the most important lesson was learning to be gentle with myself. The road to healing is not always smooth. There were days when I felt like I was back at square one, overwhelmed and exhausted. On those days, I had to remind myself that it was okay to not have all the answers, and it was okay to not be “better” right away. Healing takes time, and part of that process is accepting that you can’t always be strong. Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself grace, allowing yourself to rest, and letting go of the pressure to constantly be productive or “fixed.”

I also learned that small, everyday goals could make a big difference. When everything felt too big or too heavy, focusing on tiny tasks helped me regain a sense of accomplishment. Whether it was getting out of bed, making breakfast, or taking a walk, these small steps helped me feel like I was moving forward. They reminded me that healing is not just about big moments or milestones; it’s about finding meaning in the small, everyday things.

One of the most important things I’ve realized is the need to find joy in the little things again. After trauma, it’s easy to forget the things that once made us happy. I had to remind myself that I could still enjoy small pleasures—reading a good book, listening to my favorite music, or spending time with loved ones. These small joys helped me reconnect with life, even during the hardest moments.

And above all, I’ve learned that healing is a process, not a destination. It’s okay if it takes time, and it’s okay if there are setbacks along the way. The key is to be patient with yourself, knowing that every small step you take toward healing matters. Each day, I feel like I’m coming back to myself a little more. I may not have all the answers, and some days will still be difficult, but every small step is a step toward reclaiming my energy, my joy, and my life.

The road to healing after trauma is long and filled with challenges, but it’s also filled with moments of growth. You don’t have to rush the process. Rest, gentleness, therapy, and small rituals can help you rebuild your energy and your life, step by step. And with each step, you’re getting closer to a place of balance, peace, and strength.

Healing may take time, but it is possible. Do not rush yourself! ENJOY THE YOURNEY!

#singlemommess #tiredness