Signs of childhood trauma can be subtle or down right crude. If you grew up in a dysfunctional home, you may already know or sense some things in your adult life aren’t quite right. Relationships, work and finances are some areas we can struggle with most. When we are abused and neglected, it can disrupt normal development and learning in many areas making adulthood seem harder than it should be. We’ll explore some of these below.  

Chaotic or Unfulfilling Relationships 

Many people from traumatic childhoods find it difficult to trust in relationships. Past betrayal and abandonment can have us on high alert. Coincidentally, we may choose a partner that triggers this wound within us or confirms our suspicions. And because we feel comfortable in chaos, we will mistake that chaos for love. Inhibited emotional control can worsen issues within the relationship when difficult discussions end with intense reactions. Furthermore, this lack of control can lead to further issues in communication. A crucial part of relationships. 

Emotional Instability 

Trauma survivors may experience intense mood swings; from sadness to anger, without any clear cause. Consequently, this can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. Emotional dysregulation may lead to impulsive and compulsive behaviors often involving overspending or substance use. Adults from childhood trauma may sway from heightened reactions to emotional numbness and have been known to unconsciously sabotage their relationships.  

Problems with Focus and Attention 

 Attention span and focus is another area in which adults from childhood trauma may struggle. Difficulty keeping focus can lead to absent mindedness. This can have ill effects on our careers, finances, and self-care. Stress from trauma can interfere with cognitive processes that affect concentration and clarity of thought. Thus, trauma may also create self-doubt that further hinders confidence and focus on future goals.  

Problematic Substance Use 

 Stress from trauma can alter brain development making it more susceptible to addictive behaviors. Unfortunately, we will also seek out substances and other compulsions to alleviate the discomfort that comes from depersonalization and emotional numbness. Trauma survivors often turn to substances to self-medicate; trying to cope with anxiety, depression and self-doubt or to block out painful memories.   

Anger and/or Aggression 

Expression of (unknown) anger may be a manifestation of underlying anxiety and depression stemming from childhood. Adverse Childhood Experiences can lead to a predisposition for anger in adulthood. Furthermore, these experiences activate the threat response, consequently lowering the “set point” for experiencing threat. This affects the brain’s ability to override emotional reactions leading to increased reactivity.  

Final Thoughts 

Despite the many areas in which our lives may have been affected by our past, there is hope. With therapy, support groups and other resources, we can find our way out of the past and into our present. We can stop living by the experiences of our childhood. We can create a safe space for ourselves to grow and learn. If you need more support or resources, please visit the SAMHSA website here. We’re worth more and deserve better. <3