Is Childhood Trauma Restricting Your Potential?

Nearly 50% of all children in the United States undergo at least one potentially traumatic adverse childhood experience (ACE). Encountering such an event during your formative years could impact your adult functioning—even if you're unaware of it. In this article, we'll explore the topic of childhood trauma, its influence on adulthood, and how you can help mitigate its effects.

What Is Childhood Trauma?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) characterizes a traumatic event as "a startling, frightening, or perilous experience that can emotionally and physically affect someone" and highlights that responses can be "instant or delayed, brief or extended." Childhood trauma, thus, occurs when someone experiences this at a young age. Moreover, when a child is exposed to a hazardous environment, they may be susceptible to various traumas that could result in childhood post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some instances of traumatic events a child might face include:

• Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes
• Severe illness, affecting the child or a close individual
• Sexual abuse
• Loss of a loved one
• Domestic violence in the home*
• Bullying
• Neglectful, uninvolved, or abusive parents
• War or civil conflict
• Community violence

*If you or someone you know might be experiencing domestic violence or abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Not all children encountering a traumatic event will develop traumatic stress. However, all children experiencing traumatic stress and associated feelings have initially undergone a traumatic event. Some factors that can influence the likelihood of developing traumatic stress include the event's intensity, the child's proximity to the event, and previous trauma occurrences.

Additionally, children may react differently to trauma based on their age and individual situations. Hence, emotional and behavioral patterns may evolve as they grow older, even though they might all be responses to the same traumatic event. For instance, someone who experiences a traumatic event at age 5 may frequently cry and suffer from recurring nightmares. At 10, they may struggle with feelings of guilt and have difficulty concentrating in school. At 16, they might turn to alcohol for coping. As a person enters adulthood, their childhood trauma's impact may manifest in various forms.

The Consequences Of Childhood Trauma In Adulthood

Experiencing trauma in childhood might lead to numerous difficulties in adulthood. These can include forming unhealthy relationships, avoiding challenges, increased anxiety, low self-esteem, nightmares, feelings of humiliation, and issues recognizing or managing emotions. However, that doesn't imply childhood trauma will necessarily cause adults to develop specific mental disorders.

If you want to understand how adverse childhood experiences might affect your adult life, you could consider speaking to a licensed online therapist experienced in trauma and its repercussions.

How Childhood Trauma Can Influence Attachment Styles

Attachment theory suggests that an individual's childhood experiences—including the presence or absence of trauma—can affect their attachment style as an adult. The four attachment styles are secure, anxious, disorganized, and avoidant. The latter three are typically considered insecure attachment styles, which may make forming enduring, connected relationships more challenging.

One study discovered that physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in childhood was positively associated with anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles. Physical and emotional neglect were also connected to insecure attachment styles in general.

Handling The Effects Of Childhood Trauma As An Adult

It's never too late to initiate healing from or learning to manage past trauma effects, and collaborating with a mental health professional can be a vital part of this process. Depending on your circumstances, they may suggest various approaches to address your challenges. Some common treatment options consist of:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy aimed at helping individuals identify and modify thought patterns causing distress.
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a form of CBT specifically designed for those experiencing PTSD. Research indicates that CPT may be particularly effective in assisting adults who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), utilized to help people manage the distress they feel due to past trauma. It involves focusing on eye movement while individuals discuss traumatic experiences to alter their perception of the trauma.
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET), which involves a person recounting their life story with the assistance of a therapist. This method can help them create a comprehensive narrative of their trauma, potentially granting them a sense of increased control.

Seeking Support In Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Each person's situation is unique, and a therapist can identify a suitable support or treatment method for you. Pursuing in-person therapy with a qualified professional is one option. You can locate available providers through an online search. However, if you're uncomfortable visiting a therapist's office to discuss traumatic events, you might consider online therapy, which research has shown to be just as effective as in-office therapy.

With an online therapy platform like ReachLink, you can connect with a mental health professional who can assist you in processing trauma from your past. You'll be matched with a licensed, qualified therapist based on your responses to a questionnaire, and you'll be able to connect with them via phone or video chat. You can also contact your therapist between sessions using in-app messaging if you have any questions or concerns.

Thinking About Managing The Effects Of Childhood Trauma?

If you endured trauma as a child, you don't have to face it alone. With ReachLink, you can be matched with a therapist experienced in helping people navigate the effects of traumatic childhood experiences. You can engage in therapy on your terms from the comfort of your home or any location with an internet connection. Take the first step toward healing from childhood trauma and contact ReachLink today.