These questions tell you if you experienced childhood trauma

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These questions tell you if you experienced childhood trauma

It can be difficult to admit that you have suffered trauma, abuse or abuse, especially when it comes from your own family. Sometimes it is so complicated, that many people prefer to remain in denial. They then adopt a fairly widespread mentality: “So what? “Everyone has trauma.” But this keeps them stuck somewhere between recognition and denial, preventing them from healing. Indeed, as psychotherapist Kaytee Gillis explains, recognizing one’s history is the first step to moving forward. ‘Before.

In the columns of Psychology Todaythe expert advises evaluating our traumatic history by exploring different avenues. “ These tracks can’t tell you about your story or what to expect from the healing process, but they can give you an idea of ​​where you are as you begin yours.”she assures. Kaytee Gillis specifically recommends asking ourselves 12 questions, to which we must answer each time with “never”, “sometimes”, “often” or “frequently”. “ This This list is not exhaustive, as childhood trauma can manifest itself in different ways. CRather, these questions can serve as a guide to help you gain awareness and heal.”adds the psychotherapist.

Childhood trauma: these 12 questions to ask yourself

According to the specialist, we should ask ourselves:

  • When I think about my childhood, do I feel sadness or loss?
  • Am I having difficulty getting along with one or more of my adult caregivers?
  • Do I worry that people will leave me or abandon me?
  • Am I having difficulty in my relationships (platonic or romantic) or do I feel like I can’t have healthy relationships?
  • Do I fear that I am not worthy of love?
  • When I think about my childhood, are there any major periods that I don’t remember?
  • Is it difficult for me to spend time with my parents or family for long periods of time and do I need limited or controlled environments with them?
  • Do I feel “different” or disconnected from others, or do I feel like others don’t understand me?
  • Do I have a history of unhealthy relationships with food, alcohol or other substances?
  • Do I have trouble trusting or relying on others because I feel like they will end up hurting me?
  • Have I been told that I am overreacting or reacting much more strongly than the situation warrants?
  • Was I physically, sexually, verbally, or emotionally abused by someone who was supposed to care for me?

“Use these questions to guide your own self-exploration. If a statement made you uncomfortable or triggered something within you, that’s a clue that it’s a sensitive area.”concludes Kaytee Gillis, while recalling that each of us having had different experiences, it is normal that the healing process is more or less difficult, complex and long depending on the individual.