Do your fears and past experiences still haunt you today? Do you find it hard to move forward and accept new people in your life? Are you overwhelmed by a mix of hatred, fear, shame, sadness, or even guilt?

It is normal to feel that way when you’ve been through traumatic experiences. But there is hope! Here are some tips on how you can cope with past hurts:

1. Acknowledge your emotions

One common mistake people make is ignoring or hiding their feelings, hoping that they will eventually go away on their own. According to a psychiatric counselor’s article on Ohio State University, ignored feelings don’t just go away–they grow and come back stronger.

Help Guide says that acknowledging your emotions, on the other hand, helps you understand yourself more.

So, take some time to reflect on your feelings. Doing so makes you more in-control of your emotions, instead of your emotions controlling you.

2. Surrender your pain to God

Have you ever felt like your pain is too much to handle? Do you feel hopeless about your situation?

Good news: you don’t have to carry all your burdens alone. You can surrender them to God!

Whenever your trauma arises, ask for God’s help through prayer. Healing might not come right away, and the pain may not disappear overnight—but God is with you every step of the way. He can give you peace, hope, and joy beyond compare. He can help you forgive. He will also give you wisdom in dealing with your situation.

God can heal even the deepest wounds in your heart and make it whole again. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

3. Surround yourself with wise and caring people

You are not meant to go through your healing journey alone. The American Psychological Association found that one way to cope with traumatic stress is to seek the support of your loved ones.

So, ask God to send you people who are willing to pray and give you helpful advice. Join a church that can help you grow with Jesus and encourage you to continue your healing journey with Him.

The Bible tells us about the importance of praying for each other in James 5:16 (NIV),

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

4. Find a hobby that will help you express your feelings

According to Utah State University Mental Health Education, hobbies help improve mental health and reduce stress.

One thing you can try is journaling or expressive writing. This can help you reflect on your deepest thoughts and discover something new about yourself.

Psychotherapists from Very Well Mind also suggest other healthy coping mechanisms such as gardening, listening to music, and reading books.

5. Take care of yourself

Medical News Today reports that traumas bring physical concerns such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, and more. That is why it is important that you take care of your body, too.

Eating healthy food such as fruits and vegetables helps relieve traumatic stress, Help Guide suggests. Regular exercise and a proper amount of sleep can also help you recover physically.

Are you still struggling with your trauma?

You might relate to the story of Wendell Tolibas in CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special, Tanikala presents “Preso.” Like you, Wendell experienced a traumatic incident—and found freedom through Christ.

May his story encourage you that breaking free from painful experiences is possible. Watch “Preso” this Good Friday, April 18, at 5:30 PM on GMA.