It is impossible to go through life and not be emotionally wounded by something. When your physical body hurts, you seek medical attention. When your emotional heart is wounded, it also requires attention.

Sayings like “get over it,” “move on” and “things will get better with time” are not helpful when your spirit has been damaged. Healing is a process. You have to take the journey down that road. Your spouse and your loved ones want to see you whole. You deserve it.

“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:24

4 Consequences of Unhealed Wounds

1. Emotional wounds can fester and spread into other areas of life like a cancer untreated.
   Left untreated, an isolated emotional wound can take over your life. Before you know it, it’s hard to get out of the bed in the morning, and the sun no longer seems to shine. You have to get help before depression sets in. If depression is there, it’s not too late to reach out for the support you need right now.
2. Unresolved hurt can lead to lashing out at others.
   This can happen for two reasons. One–in a state of emotional fatigue, you may not have much to give. So what you give is forced and comes across harsh, much like an ill person who is short tempered. Two–heart wounds can cause your anger to be misplaced. Family and friends, who are often there for you, are treated like an enemy.
3. Heart wounds can cause you to miss out on love for fear of being hurt.
   It’s a protective mechanism to guard your heart. However, if it gets to the point where you are becoming a fortress allowing no one inside, it’s time to get help.
4. Unhealed wounds can cause you to be tired and feel overwhelmed.
   Sleeping for hours on end, anxiety or constantly feeling overwhelmed are all signs that you need support. Don’t try to go it alone; allow someone to walk alongside and support you. Though your wounds are real, they can and will get better.

You’re not alone. I have definitely walked this road. I have been wounded by family, the church and the death of loved ones, just to name a few. The hurt is real. Yet, in the midst of protecting my heart from further pain, I realized there were grave consequences if I didn’t go through the healing process—consequences that would affect me, my husband and those I love.

David, in the book of Psalms said, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” It’s time to seek and receive healing for your unhealed wounds. Get a coach, minister, counselor or therapist, whichever suits you best. Take your power back.

BMWK: What advice would you give someone who needs to heal from past hurts?