The past has a sneaky way of staying with us much longer than we would like. If you experienced trauma in childhood, it may surprise you to learn that those old wounds are still affecting you as an adult. Childhood is supposed to be a time of growth, exploration and learning, surrounded by love and security. But for many people, it can also be a period of trauma and pain. Unresolved childhood trauma tends to linger and can resurface, sometimes subtly and sometimes quite intensely, affecting various aspects of adult life, including relationships and careers. So it’s important to recognize the signs and address them. (Also read: Childhood trauma and related problems: 5 types of people we should stay away from ,
Aruba Kabir, mental health counsellor, wellness coach and founder of Enso Wellness, shares some signs with HT Lifestyle that will help you understand if you have any unresolved childhood trauma.
1.Trust Issues
Emotional neglect or betrayal of any kind can make it difficult for a person to trust themselves and the people around them. It can make them suspicious of other people’s intentions, leading to anxiety and fear of vulnerability in other relationships.
2. Fear of being abandoned
9 out of 10 of my clients show this. The comfort and relaxation that a child should have received in childhood was unfortunately not there for most children, leading to a deep fear of being left behind and rejected. In your adult relationships, you may show an avoidant or anxious attachment style, which either makes you a distant or a clingy person in a relationship.
3. Struggle with boundaries
It becomes difficult to identify where do I stop and where do you start. When a child’s ‘no’ is not respected and they are told ‘no’ even when they shouldn’t have been told so, it affects their ability to set or respect boundaries as an adult. People-pleasing behavior or a lot of stonewalling may occur.
4. Emotional numbness or isolation
As we see in clients, shutting down as a coping mechanism is also very common. If you often feel numb, isolated, or unable to fully express your feelings, this may be a lasting effect of past trauma (PTSD). This can make it challenging to form deep, meaningful connections with others in the present. Substance abuse, violence, and hypersexuality may also be some of the signs.
5. Low self-esteem and self-worth
Any kind of trauma and abuse affects our self-image and feelings of shame and guilt can set in right from childhood, especially if they have undergone emotional, physical and sexual abuse in childhood. A constant feeling of fear of failure, self-criticism or unworthiness can be the result.
6. Persistent anxiety or depression
Persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or despair in adulthood may be linked to childhood trauma.
7. Overreacting to stressful situations
If minor conflicts or stressors trigger strong emotional reactions, this could be a sign of unresolved trauma because you are constantly in a hyper-vigilant state.
Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward healing, allowing you to confront buried trauma and regain your emotional wellbeing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
