5 Ways to Heal from Childhood Trauma
When you or someone you know goes through trauma as a child, it may feel as though this moment now defines you. While these traumatic events are impactful, healing is possible.
According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Equality, nearly half of all children in the United States will experience some physical or emotional trauma before they graduate from high school.
Childhood trauma can look very different depending on the individual and the situation. Typically, childhood trauma occurs when a child witnesses, experiences, or learns about a dangerous or threatening situation.
Examples of Childhood Trauma
One form of childhood trauma is witnessing or experiencing violence. This can include witnessing or experiencing domestic violence or violence at school or in a public place. Trauma can also occur when a child loses a parent or guardian due to divorce, extended separation, or death.
If a parent or guardian struggles with mental illness or substance abuse, a child could experience trauma from neglect, abandonment, or physical or emotional abuse. When a parent is too caught up in their own struggles, children suffer as much or more than their guardians.
Symptoms and Signs
The signs and symptoms of unresolved childhood trauma vary from one person to another. The severity of the trauma experienced can be based on the ability to safely process events with the right support systems.
However, some people are not afforded the space to process at a young age. For those still living with unresolved childhood trauma, some of the signs and symptoms they may experience include:
Reliving the event (flashbacks or nightmares)
Anxiety
Avoidance
Anger
Depression
Trust issues
Risky behavior
Withdrawal
Ways to Heal from Childhood Trauma
Fortunately, childhood trauma can be processed, and healing can be found. Working with a therapist is the best way to address trauma, but here are 5 things you can do independently.
1. Don’t minimize.
For those who have experienced childhood trauma, it can be difficult to acknowledge and recognize trauma for what it is. Many people spend years minimizing the event or events they endured. This can lead to feelings of blame and self-doubt. The only way for healing to begin is by recognizing trauma has occurred and that you are not responsible for it.
2. Reclaim control.
Childhood trauma carries around the baggage of helplessness, which can make you feel like a perpetual victim. Unfortunately, the past still controls your present when you are a victim. But when you conquer your pain, you can reclaim control of your present. You may always feel torn between your past and present self, but if you can let go of old coping mechanisms and crutches that you used to navigate your trauma as a child, you can begin your healing journey.
3. Replace bad habits.
Bad habits come in many shapes and forms, such as negativity, mistrust, or even substance abuse. These crutches can be difficult to break because they often help you avoid reliving the past pain of the trauma you endured. But they only put a band-aide over an open wound. A therapist can help you find the tools to break those habits and replace them with good habits to promote healing.
4. Be patient.
When you’ve been living with childhood trauma for many years, you’ve developed hopelessness, warped perceptions, out-of-control emotions, and poor defense mechanisms. These can’t be undone overnight and will take time to break down and be released. Be patient with yourself and honor the journey you are on. All progress should be celebrated, no matter how small.
5. Seek support.
It is a natural instinct for those with childhood trauma to self-isolate. Unfortunately, this negatively affects the healing process. Healing comes from connecting with others, so maintaining relationships and seeking support is essential.
Additionally, working with a trained therapist is one of the greatest ways to begin your healing journey. We invite you to reach out and see how we can help you process and heal with therapy for your trauma.
