For some people, letting go of hurtful experiences can be difficult and can even affect their entire life if they do not learn how to move on in a healthy manner. Difficult life events that often keep people stuck in the past include the death of a loved one, abusive family relationships, job loss, and betrayal from a friend or loved one. It is not uncommon for these past hurts to lead to addictive behaviors as a coping mechanism, which can complicate the issue even further.

You Feel Angry a Lot

Everyone gets angry or loses their temper from time to time. However, if you find yourself experiencing anger on a daily basis or lose your temper easily, it may be a sign you are holding on to a past hurt. Being angry is draining and can affect the quality of your life and the lives of those around you, which makes it even more important to discuss anger issues with a qualified counselor.

You Long for the Good Old Days

For some people, being stuck in the past happens because they reminisce about the good times they had prior to a difficult incident that changed their life. For instance, if you lost a loved one or a job, you may find yourself thinking about how it was when your loved one was still here or when you got up and went to your job each day. There is nothing wrong with remembering good memories from the past, but if it is your main focus, it can affect your ability to make the most of the life you have now.

You Are Fearful of Change

If you dread change and avoid it at all costs, it may be a sign you are stuck in the past. You may be afraid of change because of the fear of failing if you try something new. Being afraid of change is detrimental because it will keep you from setting goals, having dreams, and pursuing new adventures that can improve the quality of your life in the future.

It is not unusual to be stuck in the past and not even realize it. Once you understand which key signs to look for, you can determine if you are living with unsettled matters from your past that are preventing you from moving on with your life. Working with a counselor can help you get your life back on track and put your past behind you.

For more information, reach out to counseling services near you.