Overcoming Childhood Trauma: The Complete Guide

What is childhood trauma?

• Childhood trauma can be defined as an adverse childhood experience that involves potential abuse of any form, neglect or adversity that negatively impacts a child[cite: 6].
• Having an adverse childhood experience increases the likelihood of consuming harmful substances, having chronic illnesses like pulmonary or cardiac disease[cite: 6].
• Childhood trauma can have a huge impact on the individual in almost all arenas and therefore it is important to address them[cite: 6].

Why is it important to overcome childhood trauma?

• Experiencing a traumatic event in childhood can affect their current ability to form healthy relationships and attachments[cite: 6].
• Traumatic events trigger their stress responses and we may continually have those responses, which affects their day to day functioning[cite: 6].
• They may constantly feel threatened and uncomfortable even in safe environments[cite: 6]. This may affect the quality of their life and will also bring down their productivity[cite: 6].
• Additionally, their physiological functions like sleep and digestion may get compromised due to constant stress responses or triggers of the trauma[cite: 6]. This may result in various problems like eating disorders or insomnia[cite: 6].

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How to overcome childhood trauma?

1. Recognizing the trauma: The first action towards any issue is to recognize the problem[cite: 6]. Very often, people with adverse childhood experiences (ACE's) do not recognize the symptoms of trauma they are showing[cite: 6]. Research indicates that people who have experienced trauma, are unlikely to spontaneously disclose their traumatic experience making it difficult for the mental health practitioner to understand the symptoms[cite: 6]. Recognizing trauma and the symptoms one is showing is therefore important[cite: 6].
2. Acceptance: Accepting the reality that certain individuals have hurt you and that has led to intentional or unintentional trauma is important[cite: 6].
3. Being kind to oneself: Guilt and criticising oneself is very common in those who have experienced trauma[cite: 6]. Blaming oneself for the events that happened is also seen[cite: 6]. Being kind and less self-critical is crucial[cite: 6].
4. Looking after one's health: Having a healthy body helps in coping with stress[cite: 6]. Building a daily routine, eating healthy and practising meditation or exercise builds up one's health[cite: 6].
5. Taking down bad habits: Having experienced a traumatic event might cause an individual to consume substances or eat junk food or compromise on one's sleep[cite: 6]. Substituting bad habits with good one's like eating healthy, attending group sessions or cultivating reading habits should be looked into[cite: 6].
6. Sharing your experiences: Sharing is a very important and powerful tool when used properly[cite: 6]. Sharing one's experiences is an important part of healing[cite: 6].
7. Reclaiming authority: You are not your trauma[cite: 6]. Trauma is just a part of your experience[cite: 6]. It does not define you[cite: 6].
8. Reaching out for help: Memories of trauma can be a very isolating experience[cite: 6]. Reach out to your friends and family and do not isolate yourself[cite: 6].
9. Focusing on the growth: Healing is a process and although it may disrupt some of your days, you will learn to process it and overcome it in a much healthier way[cite: 6]. Focus on the healthy relationships you have, the achievements you have made so far and your personal strengths[cite: 6].
10. Seeking out professional help: Sometimes you need the help of a professional to process the trauma and overcome it[cite: 6]. Collate resources, reach out to a specialist who can help you or reach out to a support group[cite: 6].