How to Heal from Childhood Trauma

The scars caused by childhood trauma can run very deep. Because trauma is an individualized experience, each child manages the effects of trauma in a unique way. Those who have grown up with the residual scars of the trauma may be unaware that it has impacted adulthood. Read on for some tips on how to heal from childhood trauma.

About Childhood Trauma

It is a fallacy that “children are resilient.” Yes, some children are highly resilient, due to personality traits, well-developed coping skills, and a supportive home life. Other children, however, may suffer long-lasting effects from the trauma, effects that can even be debilitating.

• Adverse childhood experiences, or ACE, are events or situations that the child is exposed to prior to age 17. They include:
• Abuse, including physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse
• Neglect, such as growing up without someone attending to physical or emotional needs
• Environmental, exposure to an unstable home environment, parental divorce, death of a parent or sibling, mental illness, or substance abuse
• Community events, including natural disasters, terrorism, or violence in the community

A child who experienced ACE may exhibit specific symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in the aftermath. These symptoms include:

• Clingy behavior
• Angry outbursts
• Nightmares or night terrors
• Bed wetting
• Irritability
• Hyper-vigilance
• Regression
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in their usual activities

Effects of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood

There may be varying effects among adults who experienced childhood trauma. Some children are more resilient, have more developed coping skills, or received timely therapy after the traumatic event. Others internalize the physical and emotional effects of the trauma and carry this pain into adulthood.

Adults with a history of unresolved childhood trauma are at risk for certain health conditions. The CDC reports that an adverse childhood experiences (ACE) impacts the immune system. This puts the person at risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

The psychological impact of childhood trauma in adulthood is immense. Some of the mental health effects caused by childhood trauma include:

• • PTSD. As an adult, many of the same signs of childhood PTSD are still present, in addition to some new ones. Symptoms of PTSD include:
    • Emotional detachment
    • Hostility
    • Trust issues
    • Guilt and shame
    • Depression
    • Promiscuity
    • Substance abuse
    • Flashbacks or nightmares
    • Insomnia
    • Hyperarousal
    • Withdrawing socially
    • Avoidance behaviors
    • Hypervigilance

• • Relationship Problems. Experiencing trauma in childhood may cause attachment difficulties in adulthood. They may fear intimacy or abandonment, or tend toward codependency. Adults with a history of childhood trauma may be emotionally detached, and thus struggle to form lasting bonds with others.
  • Depression and Anxiety. These are the two most common mental health disorders that result from childhood trauma. Depression features sadness, hopelessness, changes in eating and sleep habits, difficulty concentrating and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety features irrational feelings of dread, worry and fear, insomnia, irritability, and panic symptoms.
  • Passive-Aggressive Behavior. Passive-aggression is a common trait in adults who were exposed to trauma in childhood. Suppressed emotions, especially anger, can result in an inability to express feelings honestly or authentically. The result of suppressed anger is manipulative behaviors directed toward a spouse, friend, or coworker.
  • Impulsivity. Diminished impulse control is a common trait in adults with a history of childhood trauma. The trauma event that occurred in childhood caused them to feel helpless and not in control. In adulthood, that can translate to impulsive, high-risk behaviors, with no regard for consequences.
  • Victim Mentality. Low self-esteem Having been victimized as children, in the case of childhood neglect or abuse, may result in “stuck” beliefs that once a victim always a victim. This can lead to adult behaviors that are based on negative self-talk and a sense of victimhood that keeps one from taking control over one’s life.
  • Substance Abuse. Substance misuse may emerge as a coping mechanism to numb the memories or lingering effects of the childhood trauma.

Steps to Heal Childhood Trauma

So, how to heal from childhood trauma? The healing process begins with awareness that events in your childhood have deeply affected your wellbeing on many levels. Here are some helpful tips to overcome the effects of childhood trauma:

1. Acknowledge the Trauma. Hiding from the memory only prolongs the suffering. Learning how to heal from childhood trauma starts with coming to terms with it and to recognize how trauma has affected you.
2. Take Control Over the Trauma. Decide to no longer see yourself as a perpetual victim, but rather as a person in control of their life. You were not responsible for the childhood trauma, and must make a conscious decision to stop being in victim mode.
3. Practice Self-Care. Living with childhood trauma into adulthood takes a heavy toll on your physical and mental health. Start a new wellness regimen today. Schedule self-care activities into your weekly routine. These might include the gym, taking yoga classes, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.
4. Let Go of the Past. Be intentional about letting go of your painful past. A skilled therapist or a residential mental health program can assist you in this important step. Letting go requires patience and time, but it is essential for the healing process to begin to yield fruit.

Residential Mental Health Treatment for Childhood Trauma

A residential mental health center can offer a more intensive approach for the healing of childhood trauma. These programs provide a safe, tranquil space to work through your pain. Surrounded by support and compassion, you’ll participate in the following program activities:

• Trauma-Focused Therapies. There are several evidence-based therapies that are highly effective for individuals overcoming trauma. These include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
• Process Group. Group therapy sessions allow peers in recovery to discuss their own experiences and feelings. A therapist facilitates topics of discussion.
• Holistic Methods. You will engage in a variety of holistic activities, such as grounding techniques, yoga, meditation, massage, and trauma-based labyrinth.

Robles Ranch Mental Health Helps Adults Heal From Childhood Trauma

Robles Ranch Mental Health offers primary mental health treatment for individuals seeking relief from trauma, anxiety, or depressive disorders. If you are wondering how to heal from childhood trauma, our compassionate team is here to guide the process. Reach out today at (866) 840-3841.