There is an ample amount of data available to suggest that children with severe childhood traumas often have more chances to fall into destructive behaviors, like addiction, self-harm, substance abuse, etc. There can be different forms of childhood traumas that children may encounter during their formative years. Loss of a parent, absence of a parent, loss of a sibling, physical or emotional abuse, or in extreme cases, sexual abuse. Childhood trauma is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s emotional well-being. Gabor Mate, a renowned Canadian physician, has extensively studied the impact of childhood trauma on mental health. According to him, childhood trauma can have a profound effect on an individual’s emotional development, leading to a range of mental health problems in adulthood.
Mate argues that childhood trauma can impact the emotional well-being of an adult in several ways. Firstly, it can lead to the development of negative self-beliefs, such as a belief that they are unlovable or unworthy of affection. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can manifest in a range of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Secondly, childhood trauma can lead to the development of maladaptive coping strategies. This may include substance abuse, self-harm, and other destructive behaviors, which are used as a means of numbing emotional pain or coping with feelings of distress. These coping mechanisms can become ingrained in an individual’s psyche, making it difficult to break free from them and leading to a cycle of addiction and emotional distress.
Thirdly, childhood trauma can impact an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships. Mate argues that early experiences of neglect, abandonment, or abuse can make it difficult for an individual to trust others and form secure attachments. This can lead to a range of relationship problems, including difficulty with intimacy, fear of abandonment, and a tendency to repeat dysfunctional patterns of behavior.
Fourthly, childhood trauma can impact an individual’s ability to regulate their emotions. Mate suggests that childhood trauma can lead to a dysregulation of the stress response system, resulting in a chronic state of hypervigilance and heightened emotional reactivity. This can make it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions and respond appropriately to stressors, leading to a range of mental health problems such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Finally, childhood trauma can impact an individual’s ability to connect with their authentic selves. According to Mate, childhood trauma can result in a disconnection from one’s emotions and a sense of disconnection from one’s true self. This can result in a sense of emptiness, and a feeling of being disconnected from oneself and others.
Healing from Childhood Trauma: Meeting with your Authentic Self
Childhood trauma is a significant and widespread issue that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and physical well-being. It can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, or growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. Coping with the aftermath of trauma can be challenging, but it is possible to heal with the help of professionals.
Dr Nicole LePera, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Dr Gabor Mate, a physician specializing in addiction, stress, and childhood trauma, have both dedicated their careers to helping individuals heal from childhood trauma. Their approaches share several similarities, but they also have some unique perspectives and techniques.
Here are some key insights from Dr LePera and Dr Mate on how to heal from childhood trauma:
Recognize the effects of trauma on your mind and body
One of the first steps to healing from childhood trauma is recognizing how it has affected you. Dr Mate emphasizes that childhood trauma can create changes in the brain and the body that can lead to physical and mental health issues later in life. For example, trauma can activate the body’s stress response system, leading to chronic inflammation, weakened immunity, and increased risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Dr LePera notes that trauma can also impact the way you think and feel, leading to negative self-talk, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. Recognizing these effects is an essential first step towards healing.
Develop self-awareness
Developing self-awareness is a critical component of healing from childhood trauma. According to Dr. LePera, self-awareness involves understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how they relate to your past experiences. It requires a willingness to look inward and examine your patterns of behavior and beliefs.
Dr Mate emphasizes that self-awareness also involves understanding your coping mechanisms and how they may be linked to your childhood trauma. For example, some people may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the pain, while others may engage in self-harm or other destructive behaviors.
Practice self-compassion
Practicing self-compassion is another key aspect of healing from childhood trauma. According to Dr LePera, self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. It means acknowledging that the trauma you experienced was not your fault and that you are worthy of love and care. Dr Mate notes that self-compassion also involves accepting your emotions and giving yourself permission to feel them. For example, if you feel angry or sad about your past experiences, it is essential to allow yourself to experience these emotions rather than pushing them away.
Build a supportive community
Building a supportive community is an essential part of healing from childhood trauma. Dr LePera emphasizes that having a supportive network of friends and family can help you feel less isolated and provide you with the emotional support you need. Dr Mate notes that building a community can also involve finding a therapist or support group that specializes in working with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. These professionals can provide you with the tools and resources you need to heal and thrive.
Engage in self-care practices
Engaging in self-care practices is another critical component of healing from childhood trauma. Dr LePera emphasizes that self-care involves engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This can include things like exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Dr Mate notes that self-care also involves taking care of your physical health by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. These practices can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and promote overall well-being.
