When discussing trauma, one could easily believe it’s only a psychological or emotional problem. Trauma, particularly the complex sort that occurs in childhood, nonetheless influences us on so many levels—it penetrates our bodies, minds, even our sense of who we are. We’ll discuss in this essay how childhood complex trauma affects each of these spheres. Often in ways we would not first notice, you will learn how linked they are and how they impact our experiences and relationships.
Trauma and the Body
Let’s begin with the body, as trauma is not only a “mental” matter. Our bodies become programmed to be on high alert when we’re constantly in survival mode as children—when we’re feeling unsafe or unsure of what’s coming next. The body essentially gets stuck in a state of continually bracing itself, waiting for the next storm or disaster. Known as “fight-or-flight,” this survival mode is useful in an emergency but, if stuck in it over time, it saps our resources.
Chronic Stress Response
Try viewing your body as a car that’s always in gear, just waiting to accelerate at any moment. Remaining in this tense state day-in and day-out causes muscular tension, alters the digestive system, and even affects the lungs and heart. This can eventually lead to more significant physical concerns including headaches, stomach troubles, or chronic tiredness. Some people eventually realize that they’ve become more prone to illness, since long-term stress compromises the immune system as well.
Nervous System Dysregulation
Trauma experienced repeatedly in childhood can cause the nervous system—which controls both the stress and relaxation responses—to not be able to “reset” correctly. It may develop problems relaxing, even in a safe environment, or to overreact in response to minor triggers. Often for reasons we cannot clearly identify, this might cause us to feel restless, anxious, or even panicky.
Trauma and the Mind
Particularly because the abuse occurs while the brain is still developing, childhood complex trauma significantly affects the mind. Trauma can leave us with a brain that’s always on alert, sensitive to stress, and ready to react—because, for so long, reacting was essential for survival.
Emotional Regulation Difficulties
Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by feelings ranging from sadness to anger to even joy? Trauma in childhood can compromise the brain’s capacity for emotional regulation, thereby causing either extreme or unpredictable feelings. Therefore, you’re not alone if you ever feel as though your feelings are “too much;” this is a common outcome of unresolved trauma.
Negative Self-Beliefs
The way trauma alters our sense of ourselves is among its most damaging aspects. Children who experience neglect or criticism can develop lifelong, flawed opinions about themselves. Perhaps we believe we’re unworthy, unloved, or “not enough.” These ideas can become so ingrained that, even as adults, it can be extremely difficult to shake the belief that something’s wrong with us—even though that’s far from reality.
“Foggy” Thinking and Cognitive Effects
You know those days when it seems like your head’s in a fog, like your brain’s somehow out of whack? Another often occurring effect of trauma is “can’t concentrate, can’t remember”. Trauma can distort memory and focus, thus impairing clarity of thinking. So if you’ve ever struggled with mental clarity or feeling easily overwhelmed, that could be trauma’s influence.
Trauma and the Spirit
Regarding how trauma affects our spirit, we’re referring to our sense of self, meaning, and connection among other things. Trauma can leave us feeling adrift and make it difficult to feel “whole,” or like we’re living with purpose.
Loss of Connection to Self
Many who have suffered childhood trauma feel disconnected from their own selves. Trauma seems to build a wall between our actual selves and us. That wall might cause us to feel empty or lost, as though we are not living authentically, or that we’re not totally aligned with our own inner truth or values.
Struggles with Meaning and Purpose
Trauma, particularly early on, can complicate finding meaning in life. Childhood complex trauma can make it difficult for us to see the “big picture,” or feel as though life has any particular purpose. This doesn’t mean we can’t find meaning, but trauma often puts a filter over everything, making it seem much more difficult.
Difficulty Trusting and Connecting with Others
Trauma can make it difficult to feel comfortable around other people, even those with whom we wish to be close. Particularly if trust was betrayed in our early years, trust can be something we really struggle with. No matter how much we might want to, this difficulty in trusting can impact relationships and make it challenging to feel connected or let others in.
Why Understanding These Impacts Matters
Understanding the consequences of childhood complex trauma is not about assigning blame to the past, or feeling demoralized by it. It’s about acquiring an understanding of where some of our difficulties and behaviors originate. The first step toward healing is awareness. This awareness enables us to distinguish our present-day self from the consequences of trauma that have followed us throughout time.
Validation of Experiences
For many, simply acknowledging that their experiences are real and valid can transform their life. Knowing that trauma influences us on all levels—body, mind, and spirit—helps us to feel less isolated and more compassionate toward ourselves.
The Potential for Growth and Change
Trauma impacts every one of these spheres; healing can also occur in every one of them. Our bodies can learn to feel safe; our minds can settle and become more focused; our spirits can re-connect with meaning and purpose. Though it can be a challenging a journey, knowing that change is possible can be incredibly empowering.
In Conclusion
Every aspect of us—our body, our mind, and our spirit—is touched by childhood complex trauma. Often in ways we are only beginning to realize, it impacts our feeling, thinking, and interaction with the world. Healing is possible, though, and with awareness and help we can work to regain confidence in ourselves and discover serenity in every one of these spheres.
If any of this speaks to you, keep in mind you are not alone and there are ways to feel more grounded and whole. Continue learning and investigating; approach things one step at a time. We appreciate you reading; keep tuned for our upcoming piece on handling these effects to initiate your healing process.