We all have a story. A story about where we are from and how we got to be who we are. We have countless different experiences — good, bad, and everything in between. And with each story comes certain baggage.
We all have baggage.
Some just have more than others.
Childhood trauma is baggage that could be difficult to carry around. And for some people, trauma is a part of their daily lives. Sometimes, it can weigh them so much that they can’t go on. Don’t lose hope if you’re dealing with childhood trauma or suspect that you might be. You can learn how to heal your trauma and move forward.
It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Let’s explore childhood trauma, how it affects you, and how you can heal from it.
What is childhood trauma?
Often, major negative experiences can create trauma. But the cause and effect relationship isn’t set in stone. It all depends on the person’s reaction to a particular event. For example, you may develop trauma if you don’t process the event with support systems.
Here are some events that could result in trauma:
- Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
- Bullying
- Natural disasters or terrorism
- Loss of a loved one, like death or divorce
- Emotional or physical neglect
- Serious illnesses or accidents
Remember that these are only examples of trauma. Your experiences might not reflect any of them, but they could still be traumatic for you.
Most people think that childhood trauma only happens when physical danger is involved. But in reality, anything that leaves a child feeling vulnerable, alone, or terrified can be traumatic. Even people who experience the same event may have different reactions.
Some are unaffected, while others might be affected but bounce back. Many could suffer long-term, debilitating trauma.
What are the symptoms of childhood trauma?
Symptoms of trauma could vary according to your age. Some symptoms include:
- Aggression
- Low self-esteem
- Uncontrollable anger and irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Nightmares and sleeplessness
- Traumatic flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Trust and attachment issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Alienation and loneliness
- Chronic depression and anxiety
- Risky and self-destructive behaviors
- Unhealthy relationships
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Withdrawal from loved ones
Displaying some symptoms doesn’t indicate trauma for sure. If you suspect you or a loved one has trauma, consult a professional.
How does childhood trauma affect people in adulthood?
Here are some examples of lingering effects of childhood trauma:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD stems from unresolved trauma. Its symptoms include:
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Having flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Trust issues
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Withdrawal
Not all trauma exposures lead to PTSD. Many factors affect it, like the duration and severity of trauma and protective factors. But it’s still possible for anyone who has experienced trauma to develop PTSD.
Attachment and Relationship Issues
People with childhood trauma might have difficulty forming attachments and relationships. For example, you might develop mistrust if your trauma comes from a loved one.
Or perhaps you keep entering unhealthy relationships because that’s what you’re familiar with. For example, a child abuse victim might end up marrying an abusive spouse.
Difficulty with Emotions
Problems in regulating emotions also result from childhood trauma. There are many ways it can manifest. Here are some examples:
- Uncontrollable anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inability to express emotions
- Withdrawal
Physical Health Issues
Childhood trauma could directly affect mental and emotional health. But it could also manifest in physical symptoms. For example, victims of child abuse may be more at risk for chronic health issues, such as:
- Diabetes
- Chronic headaches
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart, liver, lung, and autoimmune diseases
Traumatic stress could impair the development of the central nervous and immune systems. That makes it difficult for you to function and develop properly.
Violent and Destructive Behaviors
Childhood trauma could put a person at risk of engaging in criminal behavior. Some aftereffects of trauma that might contribute to that include:
- Being easily angered
- Having intense reactions to situations
- Engaging in risky behaviors, like reckless driving and unsafe sex
- Lack of planning or preparation for the future
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts and actions
- Difficulty solving problems
- Inability to control impulses
- Low self-esteem
Cognitive Problems
Childhood trauma could also lead to cognitive issues, including:
- Learning difficulties
- Memory deficits
- Language or speech problems
- Poor attention span
- Faster cognitive decline
Cognitive problems can prevent you from setting goals and planning for the future. They can also interfere with work and school. A person under trauma usually focuses on survival, especially when always faced with stressors. They spare less energy, focus, and interest for other things, like learning or gaining new skills.
How can energy healing help with childhood trauma?
Unaddressed trauma can have long-term effects on the quality and length of your life. Fortunately, many things can support you. They can help you move toward a trauma-free future.
You’re probably already familiar with therapy and counseling. But did you know energy healing could help you heal from childhood trauma?
Energy healing is all about releasing negative attachments. And our bodies hold onto negative energy when we experience trauma. If energy stays flowing and unblocked, it promotes balance and wellbeing. But when it’s blocked, energy becomes stuck. Only by clearing that stuck energy can you release blockages and feel lighter.
Energy healers can provide a relaxed way to reconnect with your inner self and heal childhood trauma. They know how to activate and channel energy. They detect blockages and imbalances in the energetic body and help you release them.
Some physical and emotional reactions to energy healing include:
- Twitching
- Trembling
- Tingling
- Chills
- Heat
- Sweating
- Crying
- Laughing
- Burping
- Coughing
- Stomach gurgling
Such reactions are a natural part of the releasing process. Know that you’re in a safe space with your energy healer, so there’s no need to try to control or stop those releases. You may feel strange or uncomfortable. But discharging emotions is necessary for healing.
You’re never too old or far removed to seek help from a traumatic event that happened when you were a child. Know that your thoughts and feelings back then are just as valid now. And you deserve to heal. Energy healing lets you release trapped negative energies, such as anger and fear. Then, you can replace them with safe and pure healing energy.
In doing so, childhood wounds will heal. You can move forward without the excess baggage of the past. You’re free to live and thrive.
Healing from childhood trauma is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Sign up to Bliss Up Now and learn how to release your childhood trauma. Use positive energy to fill the space that your trauma took up. Build a life you’ll love.