How to Heal from Childhood Trauma

Children are resilient when it comes to most situations. They haven't yet gained an understanding about all the stressors and negative aspects of the world.

Unfortunately, trauma can rob them of that innocence and cause long-lasting effects. If you’ve experienced a childhood trauma, you don’t have to suffer the emotional and psychological consequences. Here are some tips to start your healing process. 

Acknowledge Your Trauma

The years after experiencing a trauma as a child are often used to dismiss or forget the event happened. Minimizing what you went through is either forced upon you or just makes it “easier” to continue on. Eventually, the feelings of guilt or shame that you try to bury deep will find a way to make their presence known if not addressed. 

The road to healing begins with acknowledging your trauma and what you went through. Acknowledgement does not equal approval, so by no means does this mean you’re agreeing or taking responsibility for what occurred. This first step opens the door for the rest of them.

Take Back Your Control

Often feelings of helplessness and loss of some sense of control stem from childhood trauma. Even as you enter adulthood, it can dictate indirectly making you feel and act like a victim. With or without knowing, it influences your thought processes and decision making. 

The past is the past, but it doesn’t have to be your present and future. You can’t regain control or heal if you’re falling victim to what happened in the past. Hit that internal reset button and give yourself a clean slate moving forward. Any self preservation or defense mechanisms you have come to default to, it’s time to let those go. 

Give Yourself Time and Grace

Time, with some intentional effort, does in fact heal all wounds. What you experienced as a child has been a part of your life for some time. You’ve learned how to push it down enough to get by. The effects of that trauma are ingrained in your being making them more difficult to overcome. 

You will need to be prepared to give it your all and put in the work to heal yourself. The journey may be one filled with ups and downs, days where you feel more vulnerable and uncomfortable, and moments where you feel defeated. 

It’s important to remember success is success, no matter how small the win is. A step forward is a step in the right direction. Give yourself grace throughout the process because it’s no easy feat. You will be your harshest critic, so allow yourself the space and chance to heal. 

Keep Your Body Healthy

When you’re physically healthy, you’ll be better prepared to handle stressful situations. Make time in your schedule and get yourself into a fitness routine. This can be any kind of exercise that makes you feel good. The important factor is to be consistent. 

Fuel your body with foods that add value to your nutritional content. It’s easy to turn to fast food and processed foods when life gets stressful or busy. Take a look at what you’re consuming and try to focus on whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. 

Equally important is your sleep hygiene. Getting a good night’s sleep is the key to rest and recovery for your brain. Give your brain all the tools that it needs to overcome your trauma. 

Seek Support From Others

Trauma survivors have a natural tendency to isolate themselves, especially when symptoms are fueling negative thought patterns. Your healing process includes having meaningful connections with other people. 

Lean on your support network of family and friends. Join a support group of people who have endured a similar experience as you. Find a therapist who can help you help guide you along your journey.

If you experienced a childhood trauma and would like to learn how to heal, contact us for more information about trauma therapy.