When Sharing Becomes 'Trauma Dumping'

Here's line between sharing and oversharing—AKA "trauma dumping."

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind When Sharing Becomes 'Trauma Dumping'    It can feel really good to vent, pour our heart out, or be vulnerable with others. Doing so can also be beneficial. It helps us process our feelings, unburden our thoughts, and can even strengthen our bonds. However, there's a line between sharing and oversharing—AKA "trauma dumping."   Figuring out the difference between the two may require some nuance, but Gina Moffa, LCSW, says there's a key giveaway. With trauma dumping, the purpose is to solicit attention, sympathy, and feedback, and it's often done without any sort of self-reflection, personal accountability, or desire for growth. Trauma dumping also tends to be habitual versus a once-in-a-while thing.   Signs of trauma dumping include repeatedly venting about the same triggers/issues, not wanting others to help or give their opinion, not asking others about their lives, and feeling like your relationship is one-sided in the sense that you're often speaking or sharing while others do not.      We have to be careful that we are not sharing deeply personal information, while looking for people to respond over and over again with the same level of sympathy and concern." — GINA MOFFA, LCSW What This Means For You Often, we're unaware that we're "dumping trauma." Still, this sort of oversharing can push others way. Before going to others to share, ask yourself what your goals are in doing so. Is it to grow and learn? Is it an attention-grab? Is it to gain perspective? Are you feeling lonely?   If you do reach out to others to share, be gentle in your approach. You can start by asking if it's a good time to discuss something heavy. It's also helpful to explain why you're sharing, and what you hope to achieve in doing so.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Written by psychotherapist David Richo, "Triggers: How We Can Stop Reacting and Start Healing" examines the what and why of triggers and outlines opportunities to understand, and better control, our reactions. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Self-love and self-awareness are inextricably linked. {THE AND} Self Edition is a deck of cards that helps you better understand who you are at your core. The prompts help shine a light on blind spots, encourage you to celebrate personal growth, and help you heal old wounds. The Meditation Sidekick Journal proves that meditation doesn't have to be scary, boring, or intimidating. It was created for people who struggle with being consistent in their meditation practice, or for those who feel they're not "good" at meditation. Read These Next Common Symptoms of Trauma to Watch For READ NOW How Self-Disclosure Can Positively Impact Your Relationship READ NOW What to Say When Someone Is Depressed READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy