If you find yourself struggling with feelings of:
- Anxiety,
- Emotional confusion,
- Unexplainable behaviours as an adult.
It might be worth considering the possibility that unresolved childhood trauma could be at the root of these challenges.
Childhood trauma can profoundly impact our lives, even into adulthood, often causing repressed memories and manifesting in various ways. Here are nine key signs and symptoms to watch for if you suspect you’re dealing with the effects of your infancy trauma and need childhood trauma therapy for adults:
Memory Gaps and Lost Time
Sometimes, you might notice periods of childhood when memories seem missing or cloudy. While most individuals can recall at least some parts of their early years, trauma survivors may have unconsciously blocked out significant chunks of their past. This phenomenon, often triggered by a coping mechanism known as dissociation, can lead to fragments of your life remaining hidden from your conscious mind.
Overwhelming Emotional Responses
When you encounter triggers that remind you of traumatic events from your childhood, you might experience intense emotional reactions that flood your senses. This could include feelings of reliving the traumatic event, high anxiety levels, panic attacks, and uncontrollable memories resurfacing.
Polarized Thinking
Unresolved childhood trauma can give rise to a cognitive distortion known as black-and-white thinking, where you see things or people as either entirely good or completely bad. This extreme viewpoint can result in mood swings, overreactions, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
Trust Issues and Relationship Struggles
Childhood trauma survivors often develop trust issues that influence their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Past experiences of betrayal, abandonment, abuse, or neglect can lead to an expectation of such patterns repeating. This mindset can cause you to push loved ones away or avoid forming new connections.
Confusion Between Reality and False Memories
Research has shown that trauma survivors can sometimes “misremember” events from their childhood. These vivid and convincing false memories may emerge as the mind attempts to fill the gaps left by repressed traumatic memories. These memories might also be influenced by suggestive therapies or hypnosis.
Physical and Mental Health Challenges
The effects of childhood trauma on mental and physical health can last forever. As a victim, you might suffer from depression, anxiety, or even chronic illnesses as a result of your childhood trauma. There is also the possibility that your immune system can be compromised, increasing the risk of infections and diseases.
Substance Abuse and Addictive Behaviors
If you are a survivor of childhood trauma, you might use substances or have addictive behaviours to avoid confronting your past. You may also have destructive behaviours that can be developed in response to stress, whether it is alcohol, drugs, or even behavioural addictions such as overeating and compulsive sexual behaviour.
Insecure Attachment Styles
People who have experienced childhood trauma have an insecure attachment style as the most common sign. This style leads to difficulties in forming long-lasting and healthy relationships. This is because they have a fear of abandonment and issues with trust. Thus, it might result in controlling behaviours or pushing people away.
Low Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Perception
Often, people with childhood trauma survivors blame themselves for the events that occurred during their childhood, even when they’re not at fault. This can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of shame, and a constant need for external validation. They often notice themselves with negative self-talk, excessive self-criticism, and poor decision-making in their behaviour.
Conclusion – Seeking Professional Help
The impact of childhood trauma on your adult life can impact your personal and professional life but don’t worry. You’re not alone in this journey. First, you must recognize these signs and symptoms and seek a professional as soon as possible. These professionals will help you to understand and address these underlying issues effectively. They will plan some of the best Therapies for you, such as:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT),
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
These therapies are proven and effective in treating your childhood trauma. So, if you are experiencing flashbacks, intense panic attacks, difficulty focusing, or negative PTSD or the symptoms mentioned, reach out to the best trauma-informed therapist who can provide you with the best tools and support to navigate the path toward recovery.
Remember, with the passing of time, your traumas might not heal these wounds, but with the right help of counselling in Singapore, you can find the strength to heal, grow, and build a brighter future with your loved ones.
