Coping with Childhood Trauma: My Story

Life has never been easy for me. Growing up was a challenge in so many ways, not least of which was dealing with my own childhood trauma. It cast a shadow over much of my adolescence and young adulthood, and still haunts me at times today. From an early age, I was trying to make sense of the world around me when the events that had shaped my life were incomprehensible. Instead of feeling safe and secure I often found myself feeling isolated and alone.

I can still recall some of the triggers that set off feelings related to these traumas – a certain song or smell, a place from my past or even somebody talking about it could all cause memories to flood back unbidden. I am determined though, to find ways to cope with these triggers rather than be overwhelmed by them completely. I have learnt the hard way that validating what happened in my childhood is crucial for me if I am ever going to move on. Acknowledging this part of my life does not mean embracing it as part of who I am today – instead it’s about learning how to accept what happened while continuing to look towards the future.

After years of therapy, self-help books, and exploring various methods of healing such as yoga and art therapy - not to mention having supportive friends around me - I now feel like I am genuinely making progress in overcoming this trauma from my past. With every step forward something new is revealed; truths that now allow me to see the silver lining in all those complicated experiences from years ago, helping to shape who I have become today despite everything. For me personally it’s also about understanding that those times have passed; they have made their mark but they can no longer hold power over me unless I let them do so.

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Thanks for sharing your story. I can definitely relate, as I too have faced my own traumatic experiences in life. It’s a long and difficult journey to heal, but it’s definitely worth the effort in the end. I’m so glad to hear you’re making progress and are figuring out ways to cope with triggering memories. It takes real strength and courage to reflect on our pasts, find closure and accept ourselves despite the struggles we face. Knowing that you’re no longer letting these traumas define you is something to be proud of! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to support you - I’m always here for a chat or an ear if you need it.