According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, one in five girls will experience molestation. I belong to that statistic. It all began during a sleepover at a friend’s house. We were huddled together on the pull-out couch in the living room, and she, being nearly a year older, manipulated me into engaging in activities I instinctively knew were wrong. I felt terrified, pressured, and overwhelmed, yet I succumbed to her demands.
Molestation represents just one facet of the traumatic experiences that can shadow childhood. Other forms include physical assault, exposure to violence, chronic maltreatment, natural disasters, accidents, war, medical trauma, the loss of a caregiver, emotional abuse, school violence, neglect, and terrorism. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network highlights that a staggering 68% of children have faced at least one traumatic event by age 16. While PTSD is not the typical outcome for these children, around 20% will struggle with academic, emotional, and physical issues. Importantly, the impact of trauma persists into adulthood, leaving lasting scars.
Those sleepovers didn’t stop. I was paralyzed by fear—afraid to speak out and compelled to comply with what was happening. At just seven years old, I was repeatedly victimized by another child. Yes, one child can inflict trauma upon another. This led to my withdrawal at school, making me a target for bullying, which I was ill-equipped to handle. My grades slipped, and I found myself crying incessantly.
When I say that trauma lingers, I mean it literally never goes away. The International Center for Trauma Stress Studies notes that individuals with childhood trauma often grapple with feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, helplessness, and anger—emotions that may not directly correlate with the events that transpired. For instance, I often feel an irrational guilt over minor things, like a messy kitchen, despite my busy schedule. More alarmingly, childhood trauma can lead to adults who are more susceptible to anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and troubled relationships.
In my case, the abuse triggered a latent depression that might have surfaced eventually, given my genetic predisposition. But it manifested much earlier than it would have otherwise. My childhood was consumed by depression, rendering it nearly unrecognizable. I was the sad kid—alone, friendless, and often in tears. I resorted to self-harm and even stopped eating in a misguided attempt to erase my existence. I even contemplated suicide.
This turmoil didn’t simply vanish upon reaching adulthood, turning eighteen, or starting college. Trauma doesn’t just fade away; it evolves, finding new ways to manifest. The abuse convinced me that I was unworthy, and that belief deepened during my depressive episodes, especially as my parents were unable to provide the support I desperately needed, reinforcing my feelings of being unlovable.
The Association for Psychological Science reports that a significant consequence of childhood trauma is a heightened risk of developing debilitating depression—a condition that can, in severe cases, be fatal. Research indicates that early-life stress can dramatically alter the neurobiological systems associated with depression. We can’t simply “get over it.” The impact of what we endured is literally etched into our brains, with studies revealing that 75.6% of chronically depressed individuals report significant childhood trauma histories.
Eventually, I sought help. A mix of cognitive behavioral therapy, recommended for both trauma survivors and those battling depression, along with psychiatric medication, has helped me find a measure of peace. For those suffering from PTSD, various treatments are available, such as prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). While EMDR may sound unconventional, it is backed by the VA and has worked wonders for friends who have faced their own traumas.
Childhood trauma is indeed treatable. There is hope; we are not doomed to lead lives filled with depression and relationship struggles. However, to reclaim our lives, we must reach out for help—often with a gentle push from someone we trust. For me, that support came from my partner.
Just because trauma occurred in our childhood, it doesn’t mean we can simply “get over it.” Thousands of children are currently grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, while many others are exposed to gun violence or domestic abuse. These experiences leave deep-rooted scars that fundamentally alter how children perceive the world. Expecting them to just move on is unrealistic. They require assistance, counseling, and resources.
Most importantly, they need reassurance, security, and a protective familial shield to help navigate their trauma. With that support, perhaps they can avoid becoming part of the cycle of depression, addiction, or anxiety. They can’t erase their pasts, but they can seek help—and so can we.
Summary
Childhood trauma is a pervasive issue that doesn’t simply disappear with age. It manifests in various forms and can lead to long-lasting emotional and psychological challenges. While treatment is available and can provide hope, it requires a commitment to seeking help and support from loved ones. Children affected by trauma need resources and assurance to navigate their experiences and avoid detrimental outcomes.
Keyphrase: childhood trauma
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination