Childhood trauma isn’t an easy thing to live with nor move on from. Some people may come out very resilient, while many struggle to heal deep rooted pain. Often times, childhood trauma isn’t recognized until later in life, which might make it harder for some to deal with. There’s also the chance of someone being unaware that they may be suffering from childhood trauma because they consider it “normal.” It’s often difficult for a person to realize the source of their pain.

 

A study looking at hundreds of adolescents over time has revealed that “80% of individuals who had been abused as children met the criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at age 21.” There’s also a correlation between a troubled childhood and substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol become a vice to numb the pain, burry issues, or even feel something. Research found that two-thirds of patients in substance abuse treatments have histories of childhood abuse – physically, emotionally, or sexually.

 

So why is it difficult to overcome childhood trauma?

  • Sometimes it takes time to realize the source – some people don’t even realize their childhood was traumatic until later in life when they are exposed to healthier families, start raising their own children, or observe their own reactions. They spend most of their years thinking it’s normal.
  • Other issues might overshadow trauma – for example, looking at an alcoholic, we see someone who struggles with substance abuse. However, the true problem is they are masking a deeper trauma from their childhood.
  • Biologically damaged – trauma at a young age has the potential to alter brain structure. This makes children prone to developing issues such as anxiety and depression.
  • Don’t want to remember it – sometimes remembering the details of the past is too much for people to do. They would rather suppress it and ignore it rather than deal with it.
  • No closure – unfortunately, it could be hard to get closure when the person responsible for the trauma doesn’t accept responsibility of the pain.
  • Answers from other rather than self – some people find the answers to their issues through other people rather than healing from within. These people also tend to be approval-seekers.
  • Closed off – often, the pain is so deep, they just close off to feeling anything. To them, not caring and being numb is better than feeling the pain.
  • Voices inside their head – sadly, when a child grows up feeling unworthy or has any other negative feelings, they grow up believing it. They criticize themselves and never feel good enough, struggling with self esteem issues.

 

If you or someone you know struggles with childhood trauma, please seek advice from a medical professional. Contact a doctor at Crownview Medical Group who can further assist you live your life to it’s fullest potential and heal from deep within.

 

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201505/8-reasons-its-so-hard-overcome-tough-childhood