In a perfect world, children would never have to deal with trauma. They would never experience any kind of abuse or neglect. They would be in safe environments, and the risk of going through scary or dangerous experiences would be low.
Unfortunately, we’re not living in that world. Many children go through traumatic experiences early in life. However, because it can be difficult for children to fully understand or process their emotions, it’s not uncommon for those experiences to be repressed or ignored. That’s a defense mechanism the brain uses to protect you. But even if you’ve repressed childhood trauma, it tends to manifest itself in a variety of ways throughout your life.
If you think you may have experienced childhood trauma, it’s essential to get the right kind of help so you can heal. So, what should you do?
Understanding the Signs
The first step in recognizing whether you might have experienced trauma in childhood is to understand some of the common signs and symptoms.
As an adult, childhood trauma can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You might have attachment issues and difficulties forming relationships. You might deal with heightened emotional responses to things. Other common symptoms include anxiety, trust issues, dissociation, feelings of guilt, or abandonment issues.
Obviously, these can be signs of other mental health conditions. But, if you’ve been dealing with more than one symptom for a long time and can’t figure out why, there’s a good chance the cause stretches back to childhood.
Take Care of Yourself
One of the best things you can do if you think you’ve experienced childhood trauma is to practice self-care. It’s a small, effective way to prioritize your well-being every day.
Self-care practices look different for everyone. Find what works for your daily routine to make you feel your best. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and making healthy choices for both your mental and physical health. Doing things you enjoy, like listening to music, dancing, or painting, can boost feelings of happiness and give you more power over a negative mindset.
Things like journaling, mindfulness, and meditation can help to reduce stress and anxious thoughts. Mindfulness can also keep you grounded in the present while helping you understand your triggers and reactions.
Stay Connected
It’s essential to have a strong support system when you’re trying to process childhood trauma. Lean on family and friends if you know you can trust them.
You might also consider joining a support group with other people who have experienced childhood trauma. Doing so can offer new perspectives and you can witness people at different stages of healing, offering hope for the future.
Work with a Professional
If you’ve been blocking out memories of childhood trauma and your symptoms are becoming impossible to ignore, it’s time to talk to a mental health professional.
Therapy is often the best way to overcome the effects of childhood trauma. No matter how long ago it happened, your feelings are valid and you deserve to be heard. A therapist will help you better understand the root of your trauma, and help you feel and resolve the repressed feelings so you can move forward in the healing process.
Therapy can also help you with symptom management. The trauma you experienced as a child doesn’t have to dictate how you live your life forever. Contact me today to set up a consultation for trauma counseling, and take control of your mental well-being for a happier, healthier future.