Childhood trauma affects us our entire lives, not just as a child. Learn these symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood you may not be aware of.
What seems like a mild childhood trauma can follow you into adulthood and have startling effects.
While being separated from your parents or caregivers and feeling sad or scared is normal. When trauma lasts for more than a few days, the effects can be life-long.
Trauma may even change the brain’s structure, which will affect emotional and behavioral issues in adulthood.
What are the most surprising symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood? Read on to find out.
Low Self-Esteem & Anxiety
Low self-esteem can affect one’s ability to support successful relationships and lead to hopelessness and helplessness. Anxiety can also cause difficulty in social situations and result in overthinking, which may lead to compulsive or irrational behaviors. If these symptoms are not dealt with properly, it can lead to an inability to set up healthy relationships and even depression.
Adults need to be aware that trauma during childhood can have long-term effects. Take the time to find and name those experiences. Then, discuss them with a professional who can help adults cope with their childhood trauma and work on overcoming it.
Mental & Physical Illness
From depression to addiction to a post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness can present itself in a variety of ways and should not be taken lightly. Physical illnesses like autoimmune disorders and chronic fatigue are also linked to childhood trauma. Other physical symptoms like headaches and upset stomachs should not be ignored.
Taking a holistic approach to care is key to dealing with the effects of childhood trauma. Finally, find a trauma therapist here to discuss the possible treatments caused by childhood trauma. It is possible to overcome past trauma and lead a happy and healthy life.
Fear of Abandonment
Fear of abandonment is one of the most about aspects of childhood trauma that can affect an individual’s life in adulthood. Common signs of fear of abandonment include generalized anxiety, extreme thoughts, and feelings of insecurity.
They may also be unable to connect with people, struggling to form depth and support them. The coping mechanisms used to cope with the fear of abandonment in adulthood also depend on the trauma experienced during childhood, but understanding the source of these emotions can be the first step toward healing.
Conflict in Couple Relationships
Traumatized individuals may have difficulty trusting their partners, issues with closeness, or trouble reading others’ emotions. They can become overwhelmed in conflict situations and avoid confrontations.
Those with trauma may lose their temper more and be more reactive when in a disagreement. Also, they can become distracted or withdrawn during a conversation, making understanding and communication more difficult.
Attachment difficulties can also lead to issues of abandonment, so even when a partner is trying to be supportive and solve the issue, the traumatized partner may feel unsupported or even believe their partner is leaving them. In such complex situations, seeking guidance and support from a trauma consultant can provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating these challenges.
Depression & Suicidality
Adults who experience childhood trauma, such as physical, sexual, or child abuse, neglect, or violence, can present themselves with symptoms of depression and even suicidality later in life. Symptoms of depression associated with childhood trauma may include feelings of grief, sadness, worthlessness, guilt, or shame; difficulty concentrating. Also, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Symptoms of suicidality can include increased thoughts and discussions about death, withdrawal from social activities, self-harm, substance use, and verbally expressing a want to die. Providing evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, social support, and other chronic illness management strategies can help manage depression and suicidality in adults with a history of childhood trauma.
Mistrust of Authority
The long-term effects of childhood trauma can be devastating and last well into adulthood. One of these effects is a potential lifelong mistrust of authority figures resulting from feeling betrayed, frightened, or otherwise harmed by adults as a child.
Adults who experience childhood trauma may struggle to accept authority figures, whether these figures are in the form of teachers, employers, or even psychiatrists. They may be paranoid, worried that the authority figure may take advantage of them or dismiss their feelings. These adults may also be resistant to instructions and advice, feeling that they know better than the authority figure.
In situations where adults feel vulnerable, such as job interviews or other stressful situations, the resulting mistrust may prevent them from seeking opportunities or pursuing their goals. Adults who suffer childhood trauma may need extra patience, understanding, and love to help them navigate their mistrust so that they can one day develop healthy relationships with authority figures.
Memory Loss/Repression
Childhood trauma can be overwhelming for the child, and often the coping mechanism for dealing with it is trying to forget about it. This can become a problem in adulthood when it interferes with daily life. People suffering from memory loss or repression cannot recall important details about past experiences, often leading to frustration and psychological disorder.
Also, repression can lead to the suppression of emotions and behavior, which can be detrimental to relationships and daily life. Although memory loss or repression can be a sign of more severe psychological trauma, it is an important symptom to recognize and is treatable with therapy.
Developing Effective Strategies for Managing the Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood
Childhood trauma can impact a person’s health and mental well-being. If you or someone close to you is showing the symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood discussed in this article, please seek help from trained medical professionals dealing with trauma.
Don’t be afraid to pursue aid and take steps to help yourself or your loved ones. Positive action can help guide a life of balance and stability, so take the initiative today and restore a sense of balance and well-being! Keep exploring our site for more informative and helpful posts on self-improvement and more.