The Potential of Colour in Healing Trauma and Depression

Our understanding of holistic well-being is also expanding in a constantly evolving world.

Colours have an uncanny ability to shape our emotions and influence our mental state.

Think about how specific colours in nature evoke distinct feelings.

For instance, the calming effect of a blue sky or the energizing warmth of a sunrise.

But did you know that this phenomenon extends beyond what meets the eye?

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a holistic approach that harnesses the frequencies of colours to promote emotional well-being and overall health.

Colour Frequencies and Energy

At the heart of colour therapy lies the concept of vibrational frequencies.

Each colour has a unique frequency corresponding to a specific wavelength of light.

These frequencies extend beyond the visible spectrum of light.

For example, colours like ultraviolet and infrared are outside the range of human perception but still carry distinct vibrations —the unique energy wavelengths that each colour emits.

Understanding how different frequencies can affect our emotional state and overall well-being opens a new avenue for us to explore the intimate connection between the potential of colour and its ability to help us with healing.

Understanding Trauma, Depression, and PTSD

Trauma, depression, and PTSD are complex psychological conditions that can leave us feeling emotionally and mentally drained.

Trauma often disrupts our sense of safety and stability, while depression can cause persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

PTSD, typically triggered by a traumatic event, can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.

Reflecting on my own experiences with trauma, I’ve often found myself drawn to a palette of bleak colours—shades of grey, blacks, and muted tones.

Do you find a resemblance in our choices?

Have you ever wondered why?

It’s as if these colours hold an unspoken conversation with our emotions, creating a space to retreat and shield ourselves from the world’s gaze.

I felt tucked away, untouched, and safely disengaged in the comforting embrace of these hues.

It’s almost like my way of silently communicating my need for space and understanding.

This inclination to surround ourselves with subdued shades might be our inner selves seeking refuge, a way to avoid drawing unwanted attention to our struggles and offering a moment of respite amidst the chaos.

Pay attention to the colours you gravitate toward.

I believe they are not just arbitrary choices but intimate reflections of our inner struggles and the coping mechanisms we adopt.

Colour Therapy as a Healing Tool

Colour therapy aims to restore harmony in the body and mind by using the vibrational frequencies of colours.

Different colours are believed to resonate with varying energy centres, influencing emotional and physical well-being.

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” – Pablo Picasso.

Here’s how specific colours can potentially aid in our healing:

1. Blue: Often associated with calmness and tranquillity, blue can lower heart rate, help soothe anxiety and reduce stress. It’s no coincidence that serene ocean scenes or clear blue skies have a soothing effect on us. It’s beneficial in cases of PTSD, where heightened emotions can be overwhelming.
2. Green: The colour of nature, green promotes feelings of renewal, growth, and balance. It’s beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma, as it encourages emotional healing and stability.
3. Yellow: A colour of warmth and positivity, joy and optimism, yellow can uplift mood and combat depression. It’s believed to stimulate the mind and promote mental clarity. It’s like a ray of sunshine that brightens up our mental state.
4. Purple: Often associated with spirituality and inner peace, purple can assist in deepening self-awareness, introspection, and managing emotional pain.
5. Red: This bold, energetic colour increases heart rate and stimulates adrenaline production. It’s associated with strong emotions like passion and excitement but can also evoke urgency or anger. Red can help combat feelings of lethargy and boost motivation, and it’s especially useful for countering the low energy often experienced in depression.
6. Orange: Energetic and vibrant, orange exudes enthusiasm and creativity. It can stimulate emotional expression and help us work through suppressed trauma-associated feelings. It can uplift our spirits and spark feelings of joy.

Integration into Healing Practices

Colour therapy can be integrated into various healing practices, including meditation, art therapy, and even interior design.

Incorporating colours into your surroundings, clothing choices, or daily routines can have a subtle yet powerful impact on your emotional well-being.

“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius.

Colour therapy unfolds as a genuinely holistic and potentially beneficial approach that warmly welcomes us to join its embrace on the journey of healing from trauma, depression, and PTSD.

Integrating colour therapy with evidence-based treatments may provide a well-rounded approach to healing that addresses the complex nature of trauma, depression, and PTSD.

We can create a gentle and nurturing path toward emotional well-being by infusing our days with tender hues of hope, healing, and comfort.

Sources

Ohwovoriole, Toketemu. “Color Therapy Types, Techniques, and Benefits.” Verywell Mind, 28 April 2023, www.verywellmind.com/color-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5194910.

Marie, Simone. “How Does Color Therapy Improve Your Mood?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 31 July 2023, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/the-mood-boosting-benefits-of-color-therapy.

Leasca, Stacey. “This Is What Color Therapy Is All About—and How to Try It at Home.” Real Simple, 9 August 2023, www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/color-therapy.