Childhood. The very term induces feelings of purity, joy, and fun.
Childhood is a moment of security, being preserved, and cherished.
Having strength in realizing you are safeguarded by your family enables you to form solid and stable relationships later on in life. This is a suitable explanation and experience of childhood.
However, the existence of many children's understanding and the impact on the rest of their lives is in stark contrast to this idealized intention.
Childhood trauma can take numerous forms:
-
Sexual or physical abuse
-
Watching a traumatic incident
-
Having a serious illness requiring surgery and hospitalization
-
Noticing domestic violence
-
Suffering from serious bullying.
Look out for the signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults and the many drastic effects from it.
The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Stability, Guilt, and Shame
Childhood trauma chunks away at a child’s peace and sense of self, weakening self-worth and frequently staying with the child into adulthood.
This trauma can also affect a person during adult life as they encounter feelings of remorse and guilt, feeling detached and unable to associate with others, trouble regulating emotions, heightened anxiety, and depression and anger.
Let’s take the case of complex trauma that happens directly to the child and disrupts their feeling of safety and stability.
If a child is harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually by somebody close to them, often a caretaker, it can condition the path of the child to form attachments in life.
Plus, PTSD in adults from childhood trauma is pretty common later in life.
The impact of childhood trauma is many, and they often rely on the trauma and on the child themselves.
They may live without feeling a sense of security, having to evolve being habituated to a parent or caretaker lashing out.
The outcome is sensitivity to each interaction and the attitudes of others, fearful that the person will fly into a rage.
These children memorize to adapt by denying their own emotions and making waves. They often dress up their fear, anger, and sadness
Childhood Trauma and PTSD
Many children are endangered by traumatic incidents at one point or another.
While most of them experience discomfort following a traumatic event, the huge majority of them recover to a normal state of functioning in a somewhat short period.
Some kids are much less affected by their situations than others.
To prevent more traumas, they become hyper-vigilant in glancing for warning signs that something bad is going to happen again.
Symptoms of unresolved trauma in adults may include:
-
Anger and invasion
-
Tension
-
Difficulty trusting others
-
Fear
-
Feelings of solitude
-
Low self-esteem
-
Self-destructive behaviors
Here are some aspects to watch out for during the weeks and months after an alarming event:
-
Outrage issues
-
Attention difficulties
-
Changes in cravings
-
Growth of new fears
-
Thoughts about death or safety
Signs Of Repressed Childhood Memories in Adults
Signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults include:
#1. Strong Reactions To Certain People
It's the body's warning system or way of warning that this type of person is not safe.
It could be that this person, for whatever justification, reminds you of something or somebody from your past. So, your body is advising you to stay away.
#2. Specific Places Or Situations Freak You Out
You might glance at certain situations or places that cause uncertainty.
You might not be able to step outside or go to crowded places. For instance, the smell of a specific food may frighten you and trigger past episodes.
#3. It's Hard To Control Your Emotions
People who have unaddressed adverse or traumatic incidents from childhood often struggle with mood constraints and managing their emotions.
#4. You Frequently Feel Emotionally Tired
You might feel tired and out of sorts most of the time due to feeling emotionally drained out.
It may even affect you to feel stifled in your connections. This might also include struggling to relate with others.
Finding Help
If you believe that past trauma is affecting your life, there is assistance. This is a treatable issue.
Some advice for healing childhood trauma in adults include:
-
Function with a therapist - A trained therapist can assist you to reframe your thoughts and enable you to move past them.
-
Take care of your health - Various lifestyle criteria can help you reduce tension and anxiety. These contain yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
-
Reach out to your family and friends - Studies have shown that sustaining strong social relations with friends and family members is important for good mental health.