Almost everyone is wounded by terrible events in their life. Those unable to fully process such experiences run the risk of being traumatized. Trauma is what happens when you have not worked out your pain and suffering. This can happen at any age but is most common with children.
A child is less equipped to handle adverse events like abuse, neglect, violence, and loss. They don’t know how to heal and they can’t process fear, anger, shame, and sorrow. The trauma stays in their body and impacts them as they move into adulthood. Fortunately, it’s never too late to heal from childhood trauma.
What Causes Childhood Trauma?
In the eyes of a child, trauma may have a broader definition than it does for an adult. Of course, there are traumatic events that are more easily recognized, e.g.
Sexual assault
Emotional, sexual, or physical abuse
Serious illness, disability, or injury
Death of a loved one
Victimized by war, crime, or terrorism
Being neglected or abandoned by a caretaker
The less apparent causes are just as capable of leading to adulthood crises. For example:
A parent is incarcerated
A parent struggling with substance abuse
Bullying
Learning disabilities
Detached parenting
Sibling rivalries
Trauma is not about keeping score. The child in you carries the unresolved trauma — regardless of the source. Whatever caused the problem is severe enough to create long-term issues like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, problems maintaining relationships, and so much more.
3 Ways to Begin Processing and Healing From Childhood Trauma
Validate Your Experiences and Emotions
It’s not unusual to feel guilty about what you feel. You may want to downplay what happened to you or pretend it didn’t happen. A big step toward resolution is accepting what’s going on. Recognize that you are not responsible for what happened to you but still acknowledge it. Remember, identifying the trauma doesn’t mean you’re surrendering to it. On the contrary, you’re deciding that you do not have to let your past control the present.
2. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Healing your emotional wounds is easier when your body is healthy. Commit to a daily routine that includes:
Exercise, movement, and activity
Regular sleep patterns
Healthy eating choices
Resist the urge to self-medicate with junk food, drugs, or alcohol. The stronger your body, the better you can handle the processing of past traumas.
3. Create a Support System
Childhood trauma can convince you to not trust anyone. It may lead you to choose withdrawal. It feels like this is the natural and safe choice to make. You must talk back to this inner voice and resist self-isolation. It will only prolong the trauma. Find ways to connect with friends and family members. Look into joining a support group specifically for survivors of childhood trauma. Most importantly, reach out to a mental health counselor to get the type of skilled interactions you need (see below).
Counseling is a Self-Loving Option
You are not to blame for the traumatic events imposed on you as a child. You don’t need to have all the answers when it comes to processing them now. It is precisely the kind of effort that requires the support of an experienced therapist. Your weekly session can become a haven. You are free to recall the sorrow of your childhood. We will guide you as you work to resolve your past issues.
Recovery is within your reach. It is hard work but can be easier when you ask for professional help. It all begins with a free and confidential consultation. Let’s connect and get the process started.
If you want to read more before contacting me, please click on Trauma and PTSD Treatment.