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Most people will experience some type of trauma during their lifetime. When you think of childhood trauma, however, the idea just hits different. 

It might be a common misconception that when trauma happens that young, the child isn’t going to be severely affected by it due to their age and/or understanding. Unfortunately, childhood trauma comes with a cost and can have a ripple effect later in life if unaddressed. 

Depending on your experience, your effects can be more mild or more severe than others. Understanding how your trauma can affect you can help you regain control. 

Not every relationship is created equal. Despite your best efforts, some relationships involve toxic people and are, therefore, doomed to be toxic and possibly traumatizing.

When you share a relationship with someone, whether a significant other, a family member, or a close friend, you generally form a bond with them. Having this bond should be a positive result, but often with abusive relationships, there is a negative bond called a trauma bond. 

A healthy childhood should be filled with innocence and a sense of playfulness. Fun is being had. Memories are being made. Relationships are being formed. In a perfect world, everything should be beautiful and affirming. Unfortunately, life is far from perfect, and situations occur that can cause childhood trauma experiences. Physical or emotional abuse, neglect, death of a loved one, violence (either to another family member or to the child), divorce, or bullying even can overwhelm a child.

As a trauma event happens, it leaves an emotional scar. Childhood traumas can be more complicated because children don’t always have the faculties, knowledge, and awareness to process them properly. As a person ages, these traumas can leave a lasting impact.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, or EMDR therapy, is a type of therapy intervention used to treat mental health conditions stemming from trauma. Originally used to treat PTSD, it has had an expanding role in other areas like anxiety, OCD, and depression. 

It falls under the umbrella of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Under the guidance of a trained professional, you incorporate specific eye movements in order to reprocess your brain’s way of thinking. The goal is to help reduce a traumatic memory’s grip on a person who has experienced a traumatic event.

The white picket fence. The happily ever after. It’s what dreams are made of. 

Until it isn’t. 

From a young age, many children are taught that the “norm” is for their parents to be married, live together, and remain that way until the end. Not every partnership stands the test of time, resulting in divorce. Maybe you experienced it growing up as a child. Maybe it occurred during high school years or even later in your life. Having divorced parents can pose issues at any age.

Divorce is generally an ugly word per social norms, but it has become commonplace. Sometimes, it’s even a healthy option in all reality. Being an adult doesn’t make the process any easier when your parents decide to separate. Honestly, it can be harder. Here are some tips for managing your grief.