Recovering From Childhood Trauma
No one's childhood is perfect. We all face difficulties, trials, and traumatic experiences growing up. Whether it’s something as seemingly small as getting teased by classmates or something as major as experiencing abuse, trauma can have a lasting impact on our lives. For some of us, childhood difficulties are more than just the "normal" ups and downs of life. They're deep, often hidden scars that can impact our lives in surprising ways.
If you're struggling with the effects of childhood trauma, you're not alone. Many people have faced similar experiences and gone on to lead happy, fulfilling lives. With the help of a therapist or counselor, you can begin to process and work through your experiences. Overcoming childhood trauma can be incredibly difficult, but it’s necessary work that you must undertake to lead a happy life and avoid passing down the trauma you’ve inherited.
1. Acknowledge Your Experiences
If you experienced trauma as a child, it’s important to acknowledge what happened. It can be difficult to talk about, but it’s a crucial step in healing. Find a therapist or counselor you trust to talk to about your experiences. Writing about your experiences can also be helpful. It can be a cathartic way to process what happened and help you make sense of it. If you’re not ready to talk about it, that’s OK. Just know that it’s OK to take your time.
2. Seek Professional Help
If you're struggling to cope with the aftermath of childhood trauma, you must seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to work through your experience and begin to heal. In addition to therapy, support groups are available that can offer additional help and understanding. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
3. Practice Self-Care
It's important to practice self-care if you want to recover from childhood trauma. This means taking care of yourself emotionally and physically. You might need to learn how to relax and cope with stress. You might also need to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough sleep. Talk to a therapist or counselor if you have trouble taking care of yourself.
4. Build a Support System
No one heals from trauma alone. Having a supportive network of people who understand what you’re going through is important. If you don’t have family or friends to support you, many trauma survivor groups are available online and in communities across the country. Your support system can provide a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, help you to feel less alone, and help you stay accountable for your goals.
5. Give Yourself Time
It is important to give yourself time to heal after experiencing childhood trauma. It is not uncommon to feel like you are reliving the trauma or that it is happening all over again. These are normal reactions and part of the healing process. Give yourself time to grieve the loss of your childhood innocence. Allow yourself to cry, scream, or do whatever you need to release the pain. Work through your trauma to move on and live a happy, healthy life.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. We do not diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately. Community Behavioral Health offers talk therapy and medication management services for adults, teens, and children, including Spanish-speaking customers.
