Children are often viewed as highly resilient and able to bounce back from just about any situation, but traumatic experiences in childhood can have severe and long-lasting effects well into adulthood if they are left unresolved. Childhood trauma can result from any thing that makes a child feel helpless and disrupts their sense of safety and separation, including: sexual, physical or verbal abuse; domestic violence; an unstable or unsafe environment; separation from a parent; neglect; bullying; serious illness; or intrusive medical procedure.

If you're living with the emotional and psychological consequences of a traumatic childhood, there is hope. Acknowledge and recognize the trauma for what it is. Victims of childhood trauma often spends years minimizing the event or dismissing it by pretending it happens or by succumbing to feelings of guilt or self-blame. The only way you can begin healing is to acknowledge that traumatic event did occur and that you were not responsible for it. Reclaim control. Feelings of helplessness can carry well into adulthood and can make you feel and act like a perpetual victim, causing you to make choices based on your past pain. When you're a victim, the past is in control of your present. But when you've conquered your pain, the present is controlled you. There may always be a battle between past and present, but as long as you're willing to let go of the old defenses and crutches you used as a child to navigate your trauma, you will be able to reclaim control of your life now and heal your pain.Seek support and don't isolate yourself.