Time Heals All Wounds – Or Does It?

Time heals all wounds" is one of the most popular sayings, but it may not be completely true. Although time is not exactly a healer, it can have healing purposes. Ultimately, though, it’s up to you to find ways to achieve healing during the time that passes after experiencing a wound or trauma.

Try not to guilt yourself if you heal slower than you want to. Everybody heals on their own timeline, so offer yourself grace and patience.

If you find it difficult to overcome an experience, consider seeking the help of a therapist or qualified mental health professional. An experienced professional will be able to guide you through the healing process in ways that offer much deeper healing than time alone can offer.

Being emotionally wounded can mark a difficult time in a person's life. The uncertainty that comes along with a painful event often leaves one wondering if the ache will ever end. Have you been there?

No doubt, we have all heard the saying, "Time heals all wounds." While this statement may be motivated by good intentions, it's not always an easy concept to grasp. Often, the heartache of the moment weighs so heavily upon us that we cannot see past the pain.

Identifying the source of the wound

Being wounded seems to throw things off kilter. It can leave you feeling like the world is moving in a fast-paced blur while you are frozen in disbelief. It's not uncommon for someone who has been wounded to say, "I just want to feel normal again." Even though being hurt can make you feel lonely, you are not alone.

Emotional responses to being wounded are often complex, and like peeling an onion, they may have to be addressed one layer at a time. Even when a wound is fresh and seems unbearable, you may be able to begin finding balance.

For some, the source of feeling wounded is obvious. Others, however, may have experienced one or more things over the course of time that left them feeling hurt and wounded. Whether it's a cheating spouse, the loss of a loved one, or another traumatic event, the pain can be significant. You may want to take the time to think about the events in your life that have led you to feel wounded. Identifying the source of the pain may help you as you begin the journey of healing

The effects of time on healing

When you are in the middle of a painful event, being told to "just give it time" or "time will make it better" may add stress to your already painful feelings. For some, healing comes in stages. Some of those stages take longer than others.

When you experience an event that wounds you, the idea that you can one day move past the pain or sadness is a hopeful thought. Wanting to feel normal again is natural. While time may not necessarily heal all wounds, it does give you an opportunity to process your feelings. With time, the perception of pain can be altered. This shift is an important part of healing.

Just how much time does it take to begin feeling better? There is no exact answer to this question and no formula to determine how long you may feel this way. We all process thoughts and feelings differently.