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Writer's pictureChelsea Owen

Unpacking the Suitcase of Childhood Trauma: It's Heavy, But You're Not Alone


Hello, dear reader! Today, let's unpack a topic that's as crucial as it is challenging: the impact of childhood trauma on the adult brain. If you've ever felt like your emotional baggage should come with its own zip code, this one's for you. And remember, feeling overwhelmed by past traumas doesn't mean you're "crazy." It means you're human, and there's a whole scientific backstory to what you're experiencing.


Childhood Trauma Healing


The Science Bit: Your Brain on Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma isn't just an emotional burden; it leaves a physical imprint on your brain. Imagine your brain as a garden. Trauma can be like a storm that disrupts the growth of certain plants (brain regions) while overwatering others. For adults who've experienced childhood trauma, this can mean:


- Hyperactive Alarm System: Your amygdala, the brain's alarm system, can become a bit too enthusiastic, perceiving threats where there are none. It's like having a smoke detector that goes off every time you make toast.

- Under-Resourced Executive Suite: The prefrontal cortex, your brain's CEO, might get a bit sluggish. Decision-making, impulse control, and focusing on tasks can become as challenging as herding cats.

- Memory Mix-Ups: The hippocampus, your brain's librarian, can get a bit disorganized, affecting how you store and retrieve memories.


Emotional Mind vs. Rational Mind: The Internal Debate

When dealing with childhood trauma, the emotional mind and the rational mind can feel like they're in a perpetual tug-of-war.


- Emotional Mind: This is the part of you that feels everything deeply. It's impulsive, passionate, and sometimes a bit of a drama queen. When it's in charge, you might react to current situations with the intensity of past experiences.

- Rational Mind: The rational mind is the Spock to your emotional mind's Captain Kirk. It's all about logic, facts, and reason. But, it can be a bit detached from your feelings.

The key is finding a balance, creating a space where both minds can coexist and cooperate, which is known as the "wise mind."


Tackling the Trauma: You're Not Just Surviving, You're Thriving

Now, how do you navigate this complex landscape? Let's dive into some strategies:


1. Understanding Your Brain: Knowledge is power. Understanding how trauma affects your brain can demystify a lot of your experiences. You're not "overreacting"; your brain is just following its trauma-informed programming.

2. Therapy: It's like having a personal trainer for your brain. A therapist can help you unpack your trauma in a safe space, providing tools to manage and reframe your experiences.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help bridge the gap between your emotional and rational minds, fostering a sense of inner calm and clarity.

4. Journaling: It's not just for teenagers. Writing can be a powerful way to process your feelings and gain insights into your thoughts and behaviors.

5. Building a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who get it. Whether it's friends, family, or a support group, having a tribe can make all the difference.


You're Not Crazy, You're Courageous

If you're dealing with the effects of childhood trauma, give yourself a pat on the back. Navigating this path takes immense courage and resilience. Remember, your emotional responses, however intense or confusing, are valid. They're part of your story, but they don't define you.


A Moment for Reflection

Before we part ways, take a moment to reflect:


- How do your emotional and rational minds show up in your daily life?

- What's one small step you can take today to support your healing journey?

- How can you remind yourself of your strength and resilience when old traumas surface?


Wrapping Up: Your Brain, Your Rules

As we wrap up, remember that dealing with childhood trauma is a journey, not a race. There will be bumps, twists, and turns, but each step forward is a victory. You're not just surviving; you're rewriting your story, and that's nothing short of remarkable.


So, the next time you feel like your emotional suitcase is too heavy, remember: you've got the tools, the strength, and the community to lighten the load. Your past may shape you, but it doesn't define you. You're not crazy; you're on a path to healing, and that's something to be proud of.


Written By:

psychiastrist located in Georgia

Chelsea Owen is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner located in Georgia, and Owner of Stillwater Psychiatry. She has over a decade of experience working in the nursing field, with four years of experience in the psychiatric field treating patients with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, PTSD/Trauma, & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 



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