A traumatic childhood can impact the life of a survivor well into adulthood. Regardless of the type of abuse, the wounds can run deep and seemingly small things can trigger a host of emotions. No matter how long it has been, it’s possible for unresolved childhood trauma to negatively affect a person’s life as well as those around them.

Living with the Pain of Childhood Abuse

Childhood trauma can affect both the body and mind. If you’ve experienced abuse or violence at an early age, you may grow up feeling perpetually in danger. Oftentimes, there’s difficulty in trusting others, especially if you’ve been betrayed by the very people that were expected to nurture and protect you. Your heightened emotions may give you sleepless nights and even lower your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to a number of health problems. There may be a greater possibility of developing a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

Experiencing abuse as a young child can cause you to grow up thinking that you are worthless, possibly because that’s the message you got from your abuser, either directly or indirectly. As an adult, you may have poor self-esteem or struggle with forming and sustaining relationships. Some people can’t trust and believe that their partner is untrustworthy due to the lack of consistent relationships as a child. There’s also a tendency to push loved ones away for fear of experiencing the same hurt again. Sometimes pain makes you prefer to live in isolation and loneliness rather than being honest and intimate with people. If you never get close to anyone, no one can hurt you.

Can You Heal the Wounds of a Traumatic Childhood?

There’s no reason to live with chronic distress caused by a traumatic childhood. Your past is just that–your past. You can still live a happy life despite a negative upbringing. If your childhood was filled with traumatic experiences like physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, it doesn’t necessarily have to result in an adulthood of unhappiness or unhealthy relationships. You have the power to prevent the past from negatively affecting your present and future. Talking to a counselor can be a great place to start.

Research has shown that therapy can help to heal the wounds and pain that result from childhood abuse. With the right help and support, you can connect with others and develop healthy adult relationships without being haunted by your past. A therapist can help guide you through processing the abuse from the past, better understanding how it affects you today, and moving on with more positive coping skills.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC has independently licensed, contracted therapists who specialize in working with adults who have had traumatic childhoods. They are ready and willing to help relieve you of the negative emotions that are bringing you down.

There’s a whole world filled with love, respect and hope waiting for you. Call now to schedule an appointment!

Related Articles:

• Recovering from the Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Survivors
• A Fresh Start: Life after Trauma
• Stopping PTSD Nightmares from Haunting You
• The Positive Force of Counseling: Transforming Negative Experiences