4 Ways Childhood Trauma Affects Adulthood
Most people will experience trauma at some point. It can come in many forms, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, or witnessing violence. Childhood trauma, in particular, can have a profound impact on a person’s adult life. These early experiences can leave deep emotional scars that might persist for years or even a lifetime. But with treatment and deconstruction, you can heal from the harm caused by your traumatic childhood. Here are four ways childhood trauma could be affecting your adult life.
1. Difficulty Forming and Maintaining Relationships
Childhood trauma can make it difficult for adults to make and keep healthy relationships. Their traumatic childhoods may have affected how they formed attachments to caregivers, which then shapes how they approach making connections as an adult. The emotional scars left by trauma can make it challenging to trust others, express emotions, or feel secure in intimate relationships. These difficulties with other people can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, worsening mental health problems and social skills. Survivors of childhood trauma might also struggle with codependency, which is an unhealthy reliance on others to fulfill their emotional needs. This can lead to a pattern of toxic relationships, creating a cycle of abuse and neglect.
2. Lowered Self-Esteem and Self-Image
Someone with childhood trauma may blame themselves for their past experiences, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. They may also develop a negative perception of themselves, believing they are undeserving of love and happiness. This negative self-image can make it hard to pursue life goals, take chances, and form fulfilling relationships, leading to a life of missed opportunities and regret. Childhood trauma can also cause a lack of ambition since the survivor might see themselves as unworthy of accomplishments. These negative beliefs can persist into adulthood, leading to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm.
3. Struggles With Mental Health
Experiencing trauma in childhood correlates with a higher risk of many mental health disorders. Studies have shown that people with childhood trauma are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life. They’re also at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicide than those who did not experience childhood trauma. This trauma can also lead to other mental health issues, such as borderline personality disorder and substance abuse disorder. Living with a mental health disorder can be debilitating and lead to difficulties with relationships, career goals, and daily tasks.
4. Physical Complications
Trauma doesn’t just affect mental health—the body also feels its impact. Studies have also shown that trauma survivors are at a higher risk of developing physical health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity. Trauma can also weaken the immune system, leaving people more susceptible to illness. Those who have experienced childhood trauma may also have accelerated aging of their brain and body. These health issues can have a profound impact on their quality of life, leading to chronic pain, disability, and even a shorter lifespan. In some cases, the cost of healthcare treatment can be financially devastating, leading to even more stress and anxiety.
Healing is Possible
If you’re feeling the lasting effects of your childhood trauma in your daily life, it’s time to get help. Try finding a therapist who is trained in dealing with trauma. By deconstructing your history in therapy sessions, you’ll be better able to understand how it affects your life, health, and relationships. You might even work on processing specific traumatic memories with your therapist. With time and treatment, you can lessen the effects of your childhood trauma.
To find out more about how therapy can help you heal from your past, please reach out to us.
