Last updated on March 30th, 2023 at 05:46 am
Childhood trauma is a serious problem that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life. In my experience, many times the effects of childhood trauma are not recognized until adulthood. As a result, those who have experienced childhood trauma may suffer from anxiety and depression. The symptoms of anxiety and depression can lead to problems at school, in relationships with others, and in other areas of life. You may be wondering what are the main causes of repressed childhood trauma.
There are many possible causes of repressed childhood trauma. These can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; witnessing domestic violence; having a family member with mental illness or addiction; experiencing homelessness or being in foster care, or having a parent imprisoned. Some people may experience more than one type of trauma, while others may never experience any trauma at all. It is important to get help if you have experienced suppressed childhood trauma, as it can lead to a number of health problems.
8 Causes of Repressed Childhood Trauma
The causes of suppressed childhood trauma are often complex and multi-layered. Below are the top 8 causes of repressed childhood trauma.
1. Physical Abuse
There is a lot of research that has been conducted on the causes of repressed childhood trauma. One study found that physical abuse was the most common form of suppressed childhood trauma. The study also found that women who experienced physical abuse as a child were more likely to experience other forms of suppressed trauma, such as sexual abuse. It’s important to get help if you’ve experienced this type of trauma.
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2. Sexual Abuse
Another one of the main causes of suppressed childhood trauma is sexual abuse. Victims may feel ashamed, embarrassed, and scared to talk about what happened to them because they don’t know where to turn. They may also suffer from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It is often done by someone who is close to the victim and has power over them. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their social class, race, or religion.
Child sexual abuse is not something that should be swept under the rug or left in the past. It can cause serious damage to victims and their families, and it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later.
3. Emotional Abuse
Another common cause of repressed childhood trauma is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is when one parent or guardian uses various forms of communication, including verbal threats, insults, and humiliation, to manipulate or control the child. This can include being called names, being made to feel like a worthless piece of trash, and being left alone or ignored when you need support. The child may feel scared, helpless, and alone as a result. Many times the abuser will make assumptions about what the child is feeling or thinking in order to control them.
4. Neglect
Most people know about the trauma caused by physical or sexual abuse. However, there is another type of trauma that can happen at any time during a person’s life and can go largely unnoticed – neglect. Neglect is when a child does not receive the care they need from their parents or guardians. This can happen for many reasons, including financial constraints or emotional problems. Neglect can happen when the child’s parents are too busy, too drunk, or too stressed to take care of them. The child may not receive enough food, shelter, clothing, or medical care. The effects of this can include physical and mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness.
5. Witnessing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence often occurs when one person in a relationship dominates and controls the other. This can happen in a variety of ways, including physical, verbal, sexual, and emotional abuse. When children witness this abuse, it can have a negative impact on their development. This can cause them to develop PTSD or other mental health conditions. The psychological effects of the abuse are not just limited to children. Even adults who have been abused as children can struggle with their mental health later in life.
Abuse is a serious crime, and it should be taken seriously by law enforcement agencies and the public.
6. Family Member With Mental Illness or Addiction
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 1 in 5 adults experience some form of childhood trauma. Trauma can come from a family member with a mental illness or addiction, which can cause immense stress and harm to the survivors. These individuals may not have realized that they were experiencing trauma until they began seeking help. In reality, many children are exposed to such trauma and do not realize that it is affecting them. How often does this happen? According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, nearly 3 million children in the United States live with a family member with a mental illness or addiction.
7. Experiencing Homelessness
Childhood experiences of homelessness and poverty can lead to repressed memories of traumatic events. They may feel as though they are not wanted or loved by their parents or other adults in their lives. This can cause a person to experience flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of terror or dread. Children who experience homelessness frequently have been abused and neglected by a parent or caregiver. It is not unusual for children to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of experiencing such trauma. Some people also develop anxiety or depression as a result.
8. Being In Foster Care
Repressed childhood trauma can also be caused by being in foster care. This type of care can be traumatic for children, who may experience feelings of abandonment, fear, and insecurity. In addition, these children may have been exposed to neglect and/or sexual abuse. Too often, foster children grow up without the proper support that children need to develop normally. They may not be exposed to the same types of programming and enrichment activities as other children. These children may be more likely to develop psychological and behavioral problems. It can profoundly impact a child’s development and ability to form healthy relationships.
Look for these signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults.
Conclusion
Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life if it is not addressed. Based on my research, childhood trauma is one of the most common reasons for mental health problems and substance abuse. When left untreated, childhood trauma can create an individual who is unable to develop a secure attachment with others, as well as in relationships.
In conclusion, it is evident that there are a number of causes for repressed childhood trauma. These traumas can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, leading to a number of problems in adulthood. It is important to seek help if you believe that you may be suffering from the effects of repressed childhood trauma. There are a number of resources available to you, and talking to someone can be incredibly helpful. If you would like to speak to somebody, I recommend connecting with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp today.
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