Is This Normal? The Weird and Wonderful Side Effects of Healing

If you’ve ever started therapy or inner work and thought, “Wait, am I doing this right?” you’re in good company.

Healing isn’t linear, and it’s definitely not always pretty. Sometimes, things feel worse before they feel better. You might cry more, feel more tired, or even question everything. And you might wonder: Is this normal?

The short answer? Yes.

Here are a few “weird” but common signs you’re healing:

• You start saying no and feel guilty about it. This means you're learning to set boundaries.

• You feel more emotional. Suppressed feelings are coming up and that’s progress, not regression.

• You notice things you used to ignore. You’re becoming more aware of your body, your patterns, and your triggers.

• You outgrow certain people or situations. Growth often means shedding old dynamics that no longer serve you.

• You feel tired or disoriented. Your nervous system is recalibrating. Rest is part of the work.

Healing doesn’t always look like peace and clarity. Sometimes it looks like crying on the bathroom floor, then texting your therapist about it later. That’s real growth.

So if you’re doing the work and wondering if you're “messing it up” you’re probably doing it exactly right. Keep going.