Three Ways We Respond to Pain
Life is hard. Sometimes, we go through deep pain—abuse, loss, betrayal, or the quiet ache of being unloved. That pain leaves a mark. We call it trauma. But trauma is not just what happens to us. It’s how we carry what happens inside. And how we carry it shapes how we live.

Most people respond to trauma in one of three ways: through depression, through the adversary, or through healing. Let’s look at each one in simple terms.

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Trauma: The Wound

Trauma is a wound to the soul. It can come from big things (like violence or betrayal) or small things that happen over and over (like neglect or shame). Trauma makes us feel powerless, afraid, or alone. It’s the breaking point inside where life feels too much.

But what we do after the trauma—that’s where the real story begins.

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Depression: The Collapse

Some people respond to trauma by shutting down. This is called depression.

Depression says: “Life hurt me, and I don’t want to try anymore.”

It feels like sadness, emptiness, or numbness. A person may feel tired, hopeless, or like they don’t matter. It’s a slow fade into silence. In a way, depression is the soul going into hiding. It pulls away from life to protect itself.

This is not weakness. It’s a sign that something deep inside needs healing.

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The Adversary: The Mask

Other people respond to trauma by building walls and fighting back. This is what we call the adversary.

The adversary says: “Life hurt me, so I will take control.”

This might look like:

• Being harsh, cold, or bossy (control)
• Always chasing pleasure or comfort (escape)
• Mocking others or tearing things down (bitterness)
• Always trying to win or look strong (fear)
  

The adversary is a mask we wear to protect the wound. But over time, the mask becomes who we are. We stop growing. We stop loving. We stop being real.

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The Hero: The Path to Healing

There is another way. The way of the hero.

The hero also feels pain. But instead of collapsing or putting on a mask, the hero faces it. The hero says:

“I was hurt. But I will not let that wound define me.”

Healing begins when we:

• Admit the pain is real
• Refuse to give up or hide
• Stay open to love and truth
• Ask for help, even when it’s hard
  

The hero does not pretend to be strong. The hero becomes strong by walking through pain with courage and grace.

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Final Thoughts

Trauma is real. But so are the paths we take after it.

• Depression is the soul’s cry for rest.
• The adversary is the soul’s shield against pain.
• The hero is the soul’s journey back to life.
  

Wherever you are in your story, don’t give up. Healing is possible. Even from deep wounds. Even after long silence. Even when you feel lost.

You are not alone. And you don’t have to stay stuck. You were made for more.

With content and editing from ChatGPT