This immaturity isn’t a result of simply being ignorant, but instead a response to repressed childhood trauma that has yet to be fully resolved. For instance, an individual might have difficulty controlling their anger or accepting when someone tells them “no”. Repressed childhood trauma in adults can lead to individuals’ inability to actually function like an adult in some circumstances. And while some adults may be in the know about why they are being triggered, they may not do much about it to help address this problem. Adults who are dealing with this type of trauma may find themselves having strong reactions to certain people, places, smells, things, etc. One of the most common signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults is being easily triggered. While some individuals might feel this fear over something seemingly minimal such as a partner going to work for the day, other individuals might fear being abandoned if they do not continue a certain lifestyle. This is often done in an effort to ensure that the people they are attempting to please do not ever leave them. Some individuals may constantly strive to people-please, even if it means sacrificing their own needs. Fear of abandonmentĪny level of fear regarding abandonment can be a signal that someone is experiencing repressed childhood trauma. During that time, whether it happens in their early 20’s or in their late 60’s, individuals who have repressed childhood trauma can begin noticing some troubling signs. It takes time to build out one’s adulthood and become accustomed to it. When the clock strikes midnight on an individual’s 18th birthday, they do not suddenly become an adult in much else other than their physical age. Moving into adulthood can be a huge transformation in itself. Signs of Repressed Childhood Trauma in Adults
By the time adulthood hits, some adults start to develop symptoms that signify that they are dealing with repressed childhood trauma in their adult years.
It is also known as dissociative amnesia.Ĭonversely, some people are fully aware of their traumatic experiences, but have gone through a period of their lives where they did not do enough for or completely ignored their need to address the trauma they have faced. This is one way that childhood trauma becomes repressed. The trauma affects the way in which the brain stores and recalls certain memories, including the memory of the traumatic event. That is because when a traumatic event occurs during childhood, the brain works to prevent the trauma from affecting the child. One of the most common occurrences in adults who experience trauma is suddenly remembering a traumatic event that they had never known about before. When one of these traumatic events occurs, it impacts that development in ways that create challenges in the future. The brain goes through several developmental stages throughout one’s childhood. Having a parent with a substance use disorder such as alcoholism or drug addiction.Losing a parent through death, abandonment, or disappearance.Having a family member in jail or prison.Having a family member with a mental illness.There are several types of trauma that can occur in a child’s life, however the ten most common childhood traumatic events (or adverse childhood events) include the following: If the effects of the traumatic events are not handled in childhood, it can lead to repressed childhood trauma in adults. But, there are also many other children who may or may not share in these same experiences and who also become victims of one or more traumatic events. They might also benefit from living in a peaceful community, going to good schools, and wanting for nothing. Many children benefit from being able to go through this growth with people around them who are supportive and nurturing. From physical and psychological development to emotional and spiritual development, children are constantly experiencing growth. During one’s childhood years, an exceptional amount of development occurs.