Childhood Trauma and PTSD: What is the Impact of Forgotten Memories?
Trauma is a subjective experience. Something happened to you or someone close to you that has left a wound in your soul. The definition of trauma from Pscych Today is an “experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that overwhelms the capacity to emotionally digest it.” What causes trauma may be one event or a series of events that you have perceived as seriously harmful or life-threatening. PTSD is big T trauma. It has a consistently identifiable set of severe symptoms.
Does childhood trauma affect me today?
It depends on what it was and how you understood the event when it happened. Childhood trauma is different. At certain ages you will see events as traumatic which you wouldn’t if you were older. At age five, falling out of a bunk bed or being separated from your mom in a department store may be traumatic. At ten these things may not bother you.
A type of childhood trauma that causes attachment issues and is likely to affect your personality and mental health is abuse. Abuse memories and emotions are more likely stored or buried in your subconscious. The effects play out in your family. You refuse to leave your children alone in the room with your uncle. You have an uneasy feeling whenever he’s around. Your mom, your uncle’s sister, has no relationship with him. You are triggered by something that you can’t even remember.
What are the symptoms of PTSD from childhood trauma?
The DSM-V describes PTSD as a severe level of trauma. The distress is caused by actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence. Some common symptoms are:
Flashbacks
Distressing dreams
Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories (in children it may show up in repetitive play)
Triggers that cause intense psychological distress.
Avoidance of thoughts and feelings.
Avoiding people, places, or activities.
Inability to remember.
Persistent negative emotional state.
Irritable behavior, angry outbursts.
How does childhood trauma affect your life now?
You may wonder why you have problems trusting anyone? You may always be on the defensive, loud, always wanting to take control or manipulate. You may have a hard time managing your anger, are highly anxious, or are taking medications for depression. Sometimes you think it would be easier to go to sleep and not wake up tomorrow. You may wonder why you are going to the doctor or therapist all the time when the people around you are loving life and accomplishing so much.
Coping skills that hurt you or others.
Isolation doesn’t work as humans are made for relationships. Self- medicating with alcohol, opiates or canabis is a self-defeating way of avoiding real help. Overeating, oversleeping, and overdoing work can set you back even more.
Where can I get help in Denver for childhood trauma?
It depends on the event and the severity of the symptoms. You may be fine with the help of some loving friends or family, or a spiritual director, prayers and care from church family. For others, a therapist who listens well may be just what you need. Maybe you are looking for a Christian counselor who uses spiritual, emotional and mental health tools.
If you’re beginning to feel hopelessly stuck, it would be wise to see a mental health professional whose specialty is trauma. You may already be emotionally fragile managing what you already know. Some people will elect to treat trauma symptoms prior to addressing the root cause. This is especially helpful when you’re in overwhelm. You may be diagnosed and get treatment for PTSD. The most common tools today for quick relief are CBT, EMDR and PE.
Don’t be afraid. Take heart. What you have going for you is that a lot of time has passed. As an adult, you are more equipped to process your trauma emotions regardles of what you remember. The first two steps to start your healing process are:
realize you can’t manage this on your own
start looking for help
Are you ready for childhood trauma help from a Christian Counselor in Denver?
If you’re ready to face what happened in your family with a trauma specialist who’s a Christian counselor call 720-577-5985 today for a free 15 minute consult.
