By: Lacy Blanton

Image: “Mind Vomit” by Saira-Jayne Jones, the Perspective Project

Imagine this: you’re mindfully strolling through life in a cheery manner. All is well until you are met with an unwelcoming memory, a memory from the past that you look back on with regret, cringe, or even resentment. 

The negative memory can be a variety of events. Was it about you saying some hurtful things to someone when you were in the heat of anger? Or was it that bitter time of feeling socially rejected by your fellow classmates at school? No matter the situation, it’s something that seems to follow you like a shadow. Frequently, the image pops into your mind and leaves you emotionally defeated.

This incident is, what I call, subconscious trauma, and from personal experience, it’s definitely not an enjoyable time when having its discouraging episodes. Fortunately, through time, I’ve found a solution in how to cope with these negative thoughts.

When feeling an episode starting to come on – i.e. thinking about a memory and sensing my emotions toward the subject: I seclude myself to a quieter room, sit down and close my eyes, turn on meditation music through my phone, and begin talking to myself.

Firstly, I admit the negative emotions I’m feeling and the trauma I’m having. Then, I focus on navigating myself through the situation by talking about a potential solution to the problem and remind the positives about myself. 

The sessions of mine are usually a tremendous success with moving forward.

Of course, there are other plentiful methods in coping through such a problem, and this is evident through the several students of Jeffersonville High School I had the chance to interview.

The following Q & A is from my interview with a Jeff High Senior:

Q: Do you have any bad memories that haunt you? If so, would you mind sharing?

A: Honestly, when my dog passed away. It really affected me.

Q: I’m sorry for your loss. What was your dog’s name?

A: His name was Shadrach. It’s a biblical name. He was the best dog I’ve ever had.

Q: How does it make you feel when the memory pops up?

A: It makes me upset and reminisce on the good times we had together.

Q: How do you cope with this bad memory?

A: Whenever I’m upset about the memory, I write. It’s very peaceful and relaxing. Whenever you write, it’s like being in your own world.

In my interview with a Jeff High Junior, the student expressed how there was indeed a negative memory that haunts them in life, and how they feel upset and even humiliated when reflecting back on the moment. In their copings, they found journaling and communicating with another person to be the most therapeutic.

 These different techniques of different students show how there is no official “right” way to cope through a personal crisis. Everyone is unique, but we struggle similarly at the same time, and that should be a comforting fact to know of.

Another helpful mechanism that many also look to is seeking mental evaluation through a professional (counselors, therapists, psychologists, etcetera). 

If one’s subconscious trauma appears more severely dire, or struggling with unhealthy coping habits, this solution is the most appropriate for that situation. 

Mental health still carries a plethora of stigma. It isn’t easy for one to reveal their vulnerability to others or even themselves. 

However, today’s climate has become more accepting in acknowledging such problems, and its door is something that will most likely continue to open as time progresses.