Childhood Trauma

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Childhood. A beautiful word that draws up images of innocence, tons of happiness, and lots of curiosity.

Childhood is a phase of security. It's a feeling of being protected and loved by your family that gives solid and safe relationships later in life. However, the reality of many children experiences and the effect on the rest of their lives is in stark contrast to this idealized expectation.

According to the national institute of mental health, childhood trauma is defined as the "Experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental health and physical effects." 

Learning how to understand, process, and get along with difficulties, even tragedies is a natural part of a child's development process. But sometimes children get stuck. An experience or repeated experiences may leave a child with an overwhelming sense of fear and loss, making them feel that they have no safety and control over their lives. For some children, these feelings become so intense that they can get in the way of their continued physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. This is childhood Trauma.

Unaddressed trauma can have long-term effects on the quality and length of a person's life.

The most common causes of childhood Trauma include
• Accidents 
• Bullying
• Chaos or Dysfunction in the house ( such as  domestic violence, a parent with a    mental illness, substance abuse, or incarcerated)
• Emotional abuse or neglect 
• Death of loved ones.
• Physical abuse or sexual abuse
• Sudden or serious medical condition 
• Violence ( at home, at school, or in the surrounding community) 

Witnessing domestic violence, Experiencing sexual abuse, and surviving natural disasters. Yet two children exposed to the same event may react completely differently. Traumatized children can end up seeing everything through the lens of fear. And the feelings of fear, vulnerability, and insecurity may stay with them long after the traumatic event has passed. 

Signs of childhood trauma to watch for in adulthood.

1. Missing time or lost memories of childhood.
Most children over the age of three starts to develop memories that they can later recall in adulthood. However, trauma survivors have unconsciously blocked out weeks, months, or even years. This is often the result of a child dissociating from a traumatic experience. 

2. Avoidance of relationships.
Individuals who experienced negative developmental experiences in childhood may lack social skills and the desire for closeness in adulthood. As a result, many adults may avoid closeness with others and prefer to isolate themselves, which can rob them of healthy interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

3. Feeling "FLOODED" when reminded of the trauma.

Being flooded by a traumatic memory can cause someone to experience:

  • Feelings of ‘reliving’ the traumatic experience
  • High levels of anxiety and panic attacks
  • Strong urge to escape from or avoid the trigger
  • Flashbacks or uncontrollable memories that replay in the mind
  • Strong negative emotions like disgust, anger, shame, or grief. 
4. Black and White thinking.

Black-and-white thinking (aka BPD splitting) is another byproduct of unresolved childhood trauma. This kind of cognitive distortion reflects the mind’s way of labeling things or people as either good or bad. Black-and-white thinking is also a defense mechanism people may use to make quick decisions during times of stress.

Black-and-white thinking can cause many problems for a person including:

  • Extreme mood swings
  • Overreactions 
  • Impulsivity
  • Erratic relationships
  • Difficulty emotional regulation 
5. Trust Issues.
Many people who have experienced childhood trauma develop trust issues that continually affect their relationships in adulthood. Those who were betrayed, abandoned, abused, or neglected as children often expect others to repeat these patterns. This mindset can lead one to avoid pursuing new relationships or push away loved ones, becoming hyper-independent Trust issues often negatively influence a person’s closest connections, including romantic partners, family, and friends.

6. Mental and Physical health conditions. 
Those who have experienced childhood trauma are 2-5 times more likely to suffer from a mental or physical illness. Childhood trauma can also lower a person’s immunity, increasing the risk of infections and illnesses. Additionally, survivors are more susceptible to chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.

7. Substance use and addictions 
Those with repressed memories may rely on these practices to avoid thinking about or facing past traumas. Even behavior addictions to food or sex may be used as a method of coping.

8. Inability to focus 
When someone’s mind is working to repress trauma, one may experience an inability to focus. This can lead them to become easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized.

9. Avoidant behavior 
Trauma survivors often exhibit avoidant behaviors by evading certain people, places, situations, or things that trigger traumatic memories. For example, some survivors may refuse to communicate with family members or visit their hometowns. They may also avoid discussing certain topics, especially ones related to their childhood.

10. Mood swings and chronic stress.
Unresolved trauma can lead to a build-up of toxic stress. that continues to impact a person into adulthood. Many survivors will experience strong emotions, mood swings, and overwhelming stress. Experts believe that this is large because trauma can rewire the developing brain, affecting regions associated with stress, fear, and emotion regulation. Over time, this can make people more susceptible to fear and other difficult emotions.


Reading about the effects of childhood trauma can be quite unnerving as an adult. However, people who have experienced difficulties as children should not become discouraged or lose hope. No matter what happened in the past, the sun always rises again. There is always room for healing, growth, and recovery. Individuals who went through tough times as children can have positive self-images and healthy relationships while living happy, successful lives.

Engage in self-care, pursue hobbies and extracurricular interests, and stay focused on your future. Don't try to rationalize your trauma, speak with someone you trust, and learn from your past.

Childhood trauma can negatively impact the rest of your life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can heal. As an adult, you now hold the power to change your life. Take the first step.

-Sravani 

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