Childhood trauma has a nasty habit of lingering for years, even decades, after it happened. It’s been linked to poor academic performance and fewer job opportunities, mental health disorders, addiction disorders, other social issues, and even worse physical health later in life. But this doesn’t mean that there’s no way of healing childhood trauma. Many people successfully recover with the right support and coping strategies.
Different people react to trauma in different ways, but one thing that everyone has in common is that they can find help and support in other people. Here are a few things that can help you work through or overcome childhood trauma and come out the other side.
1. Find a Healthy Outlet
We have a tendency to bottle things up, especially if they’re very difficult to deal with. This makes sense because talking about our trauma might feel embarrassing. Even worse, we might experience some of the same emotions and feelings that we felt as a child. This is a very vulnerable position to be in, so a lot of people try to avoid it.
However, suppressing emotions can make recovering from childhood trauma more difficult and may delay the healing process. If you want to talk about your feelings and your trauma, make sure to find someone you can trust. A trauma therapist is a mental health expert who specializes in trauma and how to work through it. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Another outlet could be to write or draw, as this can help you process what you’re feeling yourself. While it’s not the same as talking about it, it still works to allow you to face your emotions.
2. Take Small Steps Toward Healing
Trauma is delicate to handle, and it’s very easy to push things too far. But you need to be compassionate to yourself and your childhood self. Your trauma isn’t your fault, and it’s not a weakness or a moral failing. It’s something that happened to you. What’s more, it’s something that has rewired your brain to help you avoid danger and survive.
So give yourself the time you need, especially if you’re trying to engage with triggers. Start small and move up. Healing childhood trauma takes time, but approaching recovery gradually can help you build resilience and confidence along the way
3. Seeking Closure When Possible
Trauma can take a lot of different forms. You could be traumatized from a childhood illness, death in the family, growing up in difficult conditions, or abuse in childhood. In the latter case, one thing that can help is closure.
There’s a misconception that, once you’re an adult, there’s nothing you can do about abuse you suffered in childhood, especially if it was brushed away in the past. But if you look at Father Francis Emil Dilla clergy reports and similar cases, you’ll find that you can potentially find justice for the mishandling of these cases.
4. Create a Safe and Supportive Home Environment
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to provide a haven from the outside world. Your home should be a place where you feel safe and stress-free.
As part of healing childhood trauma, try to design your home as a space that promotes comfort, security, and peace of mind. Introducing things like potted plants and using calming wall paint colors can help create an environment where you feel more at ease.
Top photo by Liza Summer via Pexels.