How can you tell you’re getting better?
It’s one of the top questions I get. Watch this video I made to help you spot the earliest signs of change – it really helps to know you’re on the right track!
Stories of healing:
I asked some of my colleagues how they knew they were getting better and they agreed to share the first thing they noticed:
“It wasn’t the first sign, but it was a memorable one… When I felt the impulse to attend a social gathering (a networking event with strangers) for the first time in about two years…and scared as I was about what might happen, when I got there, I didn’t take care of anyone at the event!” –RD
“Feeling not activated in a situation where I usually could be. For example, a customer service call. Cool as a cucumber.
🥒. Ahhh. That felt good. I could then feel the person was trying to help me.” –JMK
“I was able to notice my limit when it came to being exposed to perfumes, and left near the end, but before I felt sick.” –RD
“I started sleeping they the night sometimes… no waking up in terror”
🙏 –CO
“I notice that anger clears more quickly, incidents of late night churning thoughts became the exception and not the rule.” –JH
“I remember being at Ross and usually, I would break into a sweat looking at the sheer volume of garment racks and then one day I didn’t.” –FG
“I now notice the things that used to trigger me into anger or rage and I don’t react. It’s an amazing place to be to experience things that used to trigger me into a dissociative reaction with no other reaction than noticing that I’m fine and can feel my body and its sensations. There is still anger sometimes, but I can handle it without exploding. It feels like a miracle.” KM
“From my own experience…the day after a profound SE session related to trauma…I woke up with a lil’ more energy. Impulses were more clear. I also had a thought that maybe something good is coming my way….” –SA
“The “brain fog” which had been my frequent and very unwanted (loathed) companion, has been gone for years now. I attribute that entirely to the SE [Somatic Experiencing].” –AB
“The most obvious sign things were shifting… My musculature and ever-permanent six pack began to not be contracted all the time – my waist got closer to touching the waistband of jeans and in my absolute perplexity, I asked my physiotherapist what this softness was as I had never experienced muscles at rest.” KJM
“Experiencing “worsening” symptoms and knowing I’d found my real window of tolerance (or healing basket as Steve recently called it). Sensing who is really there for me and need as I’m healing.” MS
“More comfortable in group settings!” LW
I’ll add a few for me personally:
- Less foggy.
- Fatigue gradually got better.
- Driving on windy roads improved – much less car sick!
- Shopping in busy stores – a lot easier.
- Anxiety gradually went away.
Common theme: It used to be this way and then suddenly it wasn’t anymore. So inspiring!
Remember: We’re looking for SMALL changes at first.
