Childhood traumas have mostly been associated with major events like car accidents, fires, and earthquakes. While this is true, trauma research has shown that there are various other forms that are more subtle in nature but still have significant repercussions. Included in this category are parental divorce, Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), physical abandonment, emotional abandonment, rape, negative comparisons with siblings and peers, and criticism, among others. When children are raised in homes where terror reigns—characterized by physical, emotional, and psychological abuse—they often develop insecure attachments and other issues.

People who have experienced childhood traumas tend to have low self-esteem, are self-critical, and struggle with self-sabotage. Childhood trauma has been linked to anxiety problems and can play a major role in the breakdown of marriages. Unfortunately, many adults don’t necessarily attribute their current challenges to their childhood experiences. However, research continues to emphasize that childhood trauma can profoundly influence one’s personality, coping style, and adult relationships.

The good news is, all is not lost. If these experiences resonate with you, it’s important to see yourself not as a victim, but as a survivor. You can choose to take control of your life by booking an appointment with Dr. Jane Wanjao, where you can explore your forms of trauma and begin the healing journey. This journey will lead to self-awareness, identification of your blind spots and denial, and ultimately, the transition from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) to Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).