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Why a Traumatic Childhood Is Difficult to Overcome
People who suffer from childhood trauma are often asked, “Why don’t you just get over it?” Many people do not understand the profound negative impact that abuse or neglect has on victims and the barriers that exist to recovery.
My Story
I had a traumatic childhood with emotional and physical abuse, bullying, and neglect. My parents’ negative messages spoken over and over me that I was stupid and could not do anything right. I was harshly criticized at home about most things — the way I spoke, how I cleaned house, or my poor math skills. Kids at school confirmed that I was dumb, ugly, awkward, and unable to accomplish anything. They made fun of me. I began to believe that I was an inferior being who did not deserve love and respect like other people.
For many people like me, childhood trauma like this resulted in low self-esteem, a poor body image, and difficulties facing the challenges of family life and the workplace. I came to realize over time that I had allowed my experiences to define me. They became recordings in my brain that told me who and what I was.
The fallout from childhood trauma can be:
- Higher risks of mental illness such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
- Behavioral problems
