I think people are sometimes overoptimistic when discussing "time heals all wounds." It is true, but the extent of the healing is, unfortunately, variable.

Emotional wounds are similar to physical wounds. When you get a deep cut, it leaves a scar. The skin will never be as elastic or healthy as it was before the cut; there might even be permanent muscle damage underneath.

However, it's important to realize that you didn't die. The cut stopped bleeding. Skin--even if a bit weaker and tighter--eventually replaced the damaged skin. A scar remains, but even that scar slowly fades. It never disappears, and to hope it will disappear is only setting yourself up for disappointment. Perhaps the pain never stops, but perhaps it becomes a little more manageable.

And maybe it sounds a bit strange, but I think acknowledging the pain sometimes makes it a little less intense...