Every survivor of childhood trauma will have different symptoms. However, there are some common effects, discussed below.

But first, what is trauma? At Heal For Life, we define trauma as:

More emotion than a person can handle; one that is perceived as life-threatening at the age it is experienced and overwhelms the ability to adapt.It can be a singular or continuing event that has a life-changing impact.

While all trauma (as defined here) has a devastating impact, all trauma can be healed.

Possible symptoms of trauma

So, why is it important for you to recognise the possible symptoms of childhood trauma?

Simply, to encourage you to realise that something you may have regarded as a personal character deficit may actually be because of what was done to you, over which you had no control.

Sometimes, these effects can be delayed for months or even years. Often, people do not even initially associate their symptoms with the childhood trauma.

One way to determine whether an emotional or psychological trauma has occurred is to look at the kinds of recurring problems you might be experiencing.

Do you experience these symptoms?

The following are symptoms that may result from unresolved trauma, particularly if there have been multiple traumas, as the effect is cumulative.

Physical symptoms of unresolved trauma:

Eating disturbances (eating more or less than usual)Sleep disturbances (sleeping more or less than usual)Sexual dysfunctionLow energyChronic, unexplained pain, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)Migraines or constant headachesPoor body temperature control (especially cold hands and feet)Somatic illnesses (no known physical cause)

Emotional symptoms of unresolved trauma:

Depression, spontaneous crying, despair and hopelessnessAnxietyExcessive fearsSelf-destructive fears and impulsive behaviourUncontrollable reactive thoughtsCompulsive and obsessive behavioursFeeling out of controlIrritability, anger and resentmentEmotional numbness; not feeling any emotionsAmnesiaAvoidance of situations that resemble the initial eventDetachmentGuiltGrief reactionsAltered sense of timeWithdrawal from normal routine and relationshipsDissociative symptoms (‘splitting off’ parts of the self)Feelings of ineffectiveness, shame, despair or hopelessness Is unresolved trauma negatively impacting your life?

The symptoms outlined above can have a negative impact on our lives as a result of certain behaviours. Common behavioural effects of trauma include:

Substance abuseCompulsive behaviour patternsInability to make healthy professional or lifestyle choicesIsolation or agoraphobia (whereby you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed)Obsessive compulsive behaviourControlling behaviour

Unresolved trauma can also negatively impact your relationships with others. Common effects of trauma on interpersonal relationships include:

Inability to maintain close relationships or choose appropriate friends and/or intimate partnersSexual dysfunctionHostilityArguments with family members, employers or co-workersSocial withdrawalFeeling constantly threatenedTaking control of your symptoms and behaviours can help you heal

When the symptoms of trauma are dominating our lives, we tend to get blamed for our subsequent behaviours by others, and we might put ourselves down.

However, it’s important to remember that the trauma was not your fault.

Once you realise that some behaviours and emotional reactions are because of trauma, then you can start to take responsibility for them and change your behaviours as you heal.

Ultimately, you have the ability to heal yourself.

To learn more about self-directed healing, the Heal For Life book is a step by step guide to help you heal and regain control of your emotions, behaviours, and your life.

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