Child trauma can leave everlasting invisible scars that are carried into adulthood. This affects how we think, feel, and relate to others, whether someone has been through emotional neglect or abuse, or has lost their loved ones.
Childhood trauma affecting adulthood at a very young age can interfere with emotional regulation, the development of the brain, and self-worth. Many adults struggle with anxiety, self-worthlessness, or emotional disconnection.
In this article, we will explore what childhood trauma is, how it affects the brain, the signs you might be living with trauma that is yet to be resolved, and how you can heal.
What Is Childhood Trauma?
When a person goes through a traumatic and life-threatening experience in childhood, causing a long-lasting psychological effect, it’s called childhood trauma.
Childhood trauma can be caused by the loss of a dearest one, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and witnessing physical and mental abuse.
What are the 8 child traumas?
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Witnessing violence
- Neglect
- Bullying
- Lost of someone you love
- Natural disasters
How is childhood trauma affecting adulthood?
If you or someone close to you has faced trauma, it is important to understand how our brain reacts and responds to the situation. Along with how these wounds affect not only adults but children as well.
- When a child or adult faces any threat, the body reacts to the threat, releasing cortisol.
- The fight-or-flight response is triggered by the autonomic nervous system.
- This helps the person to react quickly.
- However, if the stress remains for a longer period of time, high cortisol levels can defeat the immune system and damage development.
- All of this can lead to high anxiety and difficulty learning and regulating their emotions.
How does childhood trauma affect differently among children and adults differently?
Aspect | In Children | In Adults |
Brain Development | Disrupts brain growth, especially in areas for emotion, memory, and self-control. | It does not alter basic brain structure, but it can change emotional processing and stress responses |
Emotional Regulation | Often leads to long-term problems managing emotions and increased risk of anger, anxiety, or emotional numbness | May cause emotional distress, PTSD, or depression, but adults usually have more coping skills |
Behavioral Impact | Can result in behavioral issues, learning difficulties, childhood trauma and identity issues, and trouble forming healthy relationships | May disrupt established routines, relationships, and coping mechanisms |
Long-term Effects | Increases risk of lifelong mental health disorders (PTSD, panic disorder, depression, substance abuse) | Can lead to PTSD, anxiety, depression, but the effects are often less deeply rooted than child trauma |
Sense of Self | Shapes the worldview, self-image, and coping patterns of people from a young age | Can shake established identity and sense of security |
What are the Signs of Unresolved Childhood Trauma in Adults
If you feel that you can resonate with or have gone through child trauma.
Here are the Signs of trauma in adults:
- Emotional signs:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Flashbacks
- Chronic feeling of worthlessness
- You may feel emotionally numb and disconnected
- Always on guard all the time
- sleeping problems
- Behavioral patterns:
- Difficulty in relationships
- Involved dangerous behavior, such as reckless actions or substance abuse
- Withdrawing from people
- Attachment issues
- Physical symptoms:
- Prolonged health issues such as high blood pressure and digestive problems
- Feeling tightness in the chest
- Headache and stomachache
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Childhood Trauma?
Healing is a time-consuming process that is unique for everyone. Some may feel better in a few months, while for others it can take much more time.
It’s not just about moving forward from your past pain, but it is more about growing and finding meaning in life.
Factors that affect healing time:
- Nature and seriousness of trauma
- At what age does trauma take place
- Availability of a support system or not
- Access to therapy
- Resilience and coping skills
- Life stressors
How to heal from Childhood Trauma
If you’re wondering how I can help myself heal from childhood wounds, then you can try these tips out:
- Mind-body practices: You should be involved in yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing, which can help you ease your nervous system, improve emotional resilience, and reduce stress.
- Creative activities: Activities like journaling and art therapy give you a safe outlet to express yourself and process your emotions.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Therapy can help you understand and control your feelings, behavior, and thoughts.
- Seeking therapy: You can use CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, and behavioral therapy.
What are the stages of healing from child trauma?
Stage | Description |
Safety and Stabilization | Creating a sense of physical and emotional safety can help us learn to manage intense emotions, anxiety, or flashbacks |
Remembrance and Mourning | Processing traumatic memories and mourning losses related to the trauma, such as lost trust, time, or relationships |
Reconnection and Integration | Rebuilding healthy relationships and support systems can form a new sense of self that acknowledges but isn’t defined by the trauma |
Consolidation and Future Orientation | Applying coping skills in daily life and setting goals, and focusing on a future where trauma is part of the past, not the present |
How The Holding Hands Can Support Your Healing
If you’re ready to take therapy, let us be your friend in need. At The Holding Hands, we provide you with online therapy from an experienced psychologist who understands you and provides you with a safe and non-judgmental space within your budget and comfort zone.
Whether you are dealing with childhood trauma, childhood wounds, emotional struggles, anxiety, or relationship issues, we’re here to support you in every step you take towards a better future.
Conclusion
Healing takes time, but it is not impossible. Understanding how early experience can shape your emotional and mental patterns is the first step to recovering from unresolved trauma. With the right support and professional help, you can reconnect with a healthier version of yourself.
If you or someone you love is struggling with childhood wounds, professional therapy can be a powerful first step toward healing. Take your first step towards healing and emotional well-being now by contacting us.
FAQ About How Childhood Trauma Affects Adulthood
Does everyone have childhood trauma?
No, not everyone experiences trauma as a child. But many people do carry childhood wounds that quietly shape their identity, relationships, and emotional health later in life.
What are some good books on overcoming childhood trauma?
Books like The Body Keeps the Score and Complex PTSD are great for understanding how childhood trauma affects adulthood and how to heal from it.
Can childhood trauma change your personality?
Yes, trauma in early life can shape your personality, often leading to anxiety, trust issues, or difficulty managing emotions, especially if the trauma remains unresolved.
Can therapy help with childhood trauma?
Absolutely. Therapies like CBT or trauma-focused therapy can help you process the pain, manage emotional triggers, and rebuild your sense of self.
Is childhood trauma linked to physical health issues?
Yes, childhood trauma has been linked to long-term physical health problems like high blood pressure, chronic pain, and even digestive issues, due to prolonged stress on the body.
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