Dealing with traumatic childhood events can be challenging as one grows into adulthood. If left untreated, adverse childhood experience (i.e. trauma), can cause significant strains on the well-being of the individual. Mental health concerns, substance abuse, relationship issues, and physical pain and illnesses. It is important for individuals to become aware and process their hurts and pains from previous traumatic events. In this article, I have provided several steps to healing adverse childhood experiences.
- Recollection: Take the memory of the adverse event and really process the occurrence. This may be uncomfortable for some, but in order to effectively understand and get pass the trauma, this step is very important.
- Utilize deep breathing as a method to feel the "here and now." Getting the entire body involved in the practice of feeling the trauma and easing the pain caused by such an event.
- Listen to your mind (thoughts) and body. What is it trying to tell you as you recollect the traumatic events in your life. Are you feeling your muscles become tense, stomach cramps, or shallow breathing? Understand how your body reacts to horrifying events, and learn strategies to overcome these feelings.
- Be ok with expressing the way you currently feel as you recollect past events. Express emotion, and begin learning methods to reduce the feelings of anger, sadness, depression, and hurt. Speaking to a professional to process these feelings is of great importance.
- Learn to accept the past by having an attitude of resilience.
- Express your deep feelings by speaking with a professional, finding a creative hobby, and making peace with your past.
Adverse childhood experiences promote challenges several years down the line; However, one must ensure that they have the correct approach to understanding their emotions, and their personal needs to overcome past childhood emotional and physical abuse.
Dr. Michelle Marie Ned
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