While childhood trauma can affect kids differently, there is one thing most children have in common: They tend to create individualized meanings about that trauma.
As a result, many children who have either experienced or witnessed something traumatic will have a different view of the world afterward. That easily can carry over into adulthood, creating a huge impact on their adult life.
When you experience trauma as a child, the way you interpret everyday things and even what you believe about yourself can be altered. This can lead to a variety of mental health concerns and may also cause you to think things about yourself in ways that aren’t true.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few ways in which childhood trauma can have an impact on your adult life.
Disconnecting from Yourself
If you experienced trauma as a child, you might have used disconnecting as a way to protect yourself and your emotions. If you were abused, for example, you may have found it easier to try to be the child your parents/caregiver wanted you to be. That way, you wouldn’t “disappoint” them—even if it was at the expense of your true feelings.
And this kind of coping mechanism is easy to carry with you as you get older.
Unfortunately, when you go through life with a false sense of self, it can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. This false sense of self makes it difficult to fully express your emotions or what you’re really feeling. And that can have a negative effect on your relationships and keep you on edge most of the time.
Negative Self-Talk
If you suffered from trauma as a child, you may carry the belief with you that you aren’t good enough. Or you might blame yourself for anything bad that happens in your life.
If you were told these things as a child, or if you were abused or neglected, it can be a hard habit to break.
Unfortunately, negative self-talk often causes a lot of problems. The good news is that you with some support and guidance this can change. It isn’t always easy, but with the right support it is possible! As a child who suffered a traumatic situation, you likely didn’t know how to make sense of what was happening and often negative self-talk or beliefs evolved as a result.
Being Held Back from Who You Are
Whether you’ve been scared, angry, depressed, anxious or just confused for years, you may have tried to bury those feelings away. As an adult, you may be so used to doing this that you start to conceal all of your negative or confusing emotions or thoughts.
But doing that makes it nearly impossible to be who you really are. You’ll hide your true self away in romantic relationships, friendships, and even relationships with family members. That’s a lot of weight to carry and a lot of stress to keep inside. It can feel as though you’re constantly wearing a mask.
However, no matter how much you bottle these feelings inside, they will eventually come to the surface. And that can lead to a variety of mental health issues which can be harder to deal with.
Instead, the best thing you can do is to work through your emotions. It may not be easy, but it will give you the freedom to find yourself and be the kind of person you truly want to be. You’ll be able to break the chains of your past and finally move forward in your life.
Instead, the best thing you can do is to work through your emotions. It may not be easy, but it will give you the freedom to find yourself and be the kind of person you truly want to be. You’ll be able to break the chains of your past and finally move forward in your life.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. If you experienced any kind of trauma as a child and you’re struggling today, feel free to contact me. Healing is possible and your journey toward healing can start right now.
