As you may know, all of the experiences from your past helped make you into the person you are today. The good times and the bad times help shape you.
When you experience an injury like a cut, you may first notice it because it stings and it bleeds. You’ll spend time rinsing it, sanitizing it so it doesn’t get infested, and putting a band-aid on it. Over time, the cut will heal, but you may be left with a scar.
The same can be said about childhood trauma. In the instance of childhood trauma, you may not remember the specific details of the trauma that occurred. That being said, the signs and symptoms of that trauma may creep into your daily life and routine, even in the present day.
Let’s learn more about childhood trauma and how you can heal from it.
What is Childhood Trauma?
Trauma that occurs when a child feels fearful or helpless over an event that happened to themselves or a loved one is childhood trauma. Dealing with trauma, no matter what age you are or the specific trauma can be extremely difficult. At a younger age, you may not have the proper coping mechanisms available to deal with the trauma that you experienced. Unresolved trauma is exactly that. Although you may feel like you moved forward in your life, burying the trauma deep down inside of yourself only means that it will bubble up in time similar to a volcano. This can lead to emotional, physical, and psychological reactions even later in life.
Causes of Childhood Trauma
These are some of the most common causes of childhood trauma:
- Abuse – emotional, physical, sexual, or verbal
- Bullying
- Car accident
- Deployment
- Divorce
- Human trafficking
- Life-threatening illness
- Loss of a loved one
- Moving to a different city or state
- Natural disaster
- School shooting
- Terrorism
- War
How to Heal
Sure, your past makes you who you are, but it doesn’t have to define you. There are even things that you can do on your end to start the healing process. Here are a few ways you can work towards healing from childhood trauma.
Take Care of Yourself
First and foremost, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. You’re more likely to deal with daily stressors if you’re prioritizing yourself and your needs. Make sure you’re eating healthy and well-balanced meals during the day, as well as drinking enough water. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night by sticking to a routine. Try to incorporate daily movement like going for a walk outside, attending a workout class with friends, or hopping on your bicycle.
Acknowledge Your Trauma
One of the best ways to move forward from your trauma is to admit to yourself that you’re experiencing it. The longer you try to bury your trauma, the longer it will take for you to actually deal with it. It’s time to stop pretending like it didn’t happen. Acknowledge that it happened and remind yourself that you aren’t the one to blame for it.
Seek Additional Support
Trauma can lead to other signs and symptoms, especially if left untreated. Even if your childhood trauma occurred years ago, it doesn’t mean it’s too late to get the help you need and deserve.
A licensed and trained mental health professional can work with you to get to the root cause of your childhood trauma. They’ll also be able to recommend better-coping mechanisms that you may not have thought of yet. Over time, you’ll be able to better manage the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing and finally release that grip that your trauma has on you.
Reach out soon to set up a consultation for trauma therapy.