There are various consequences of untreated trauma, and these consequences are not confined to the psychological condition; they may also influence the physical state. Untreated trauma can manifest as rashes, unexplained chronic pain, cardiovascular problems, and autoimmune illness. It can also result in chronic sleep difficulties and an inability to rest. Trauma can alter an individual’s ability to establish close connections, as well as to embrace and receive compassion; it is also a major contributing factor to symptoms like fear of enjoyment and lack of pleasure, joy, or ease. Additionally, it may lead to learning or behavioral disorders, addictions, financial difficulties, and poverty, so healing untreated childhood trauma is highly likely to lead to a more fulfilling adulthood.
Steps to deal with childhood trauma:
- Recognize and accept the trauma for what it is.
Victims of childhood trauma frequently spend years minimizing or ignoring the event by pretending it never happened or succumbing to feelings of guilt or self-blame. The best way to start healing is to admit that a traumatic event occurred.
- Take back control.
Emotions of powerlessness can persist throughout adulthood, making you feel and act like a constant victim and forcing you to make decisions based on your past sorrow. When you’re a victim, the past rules your present. Nevertheless, once you’ve overcome your pain, you have complete power over the present. There will always be a conflict between the past and the present, but if you prepare to let go of old barriers, you’ll be able to reclaim control of your life and heal your pain.
- Get help instead of isolating yourself.
Many trauma survivors’ natural instinct is to withdraw from others, but this will only make things worse. Connecting with others is an important part of the healing process, so make an effort to maintain your relationships and seek assistance. Speak with a trustworthy family member, friend, or counselor, and consider joining a support group for trauma survivors.
- Be patient with yourself.
When you have been significantly hurt as a child, you acquire out-of-control emotions, defense mechanisms, and beliefs that are tough to let go of. It will take a lot of time and effort to let go of these feelings, but doing so is critical to recovery. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor it may appear. It is the small milestones in your recovery that will eventually help you win the battle of overcoming your childhood trauma.
- Practice the concepts of accepting and letting go.
Acceptance does not imply that you are embracing your trauma, or that you like or agree with it. Acceptance implies that you’ve decided what to do with it. You have the option of allowing it to govern your life or letting it go. Letting go does not imply that it has magically vanished; letting go means no longer allowing your memories and past life to keep you from living a decent life now.