Effects of Childhood Trauma

The effects of childhood trauma vary from person to person. For years, I minimized what happened to me because others obviously had suffered more severe effects of childhood trauma. In my memoir, Following the Whispers the effects of childhood trauma on my psyche become crystal clear.

I was sexually molested at age seven. Today, at fifty-nine, some effects of childhood trauma still linger. Being touched that way by an adult male changed who I was—and probably who I could have become, had I not been molested. The day of the molestation I discovered the numbing benefit of eating. Chocolate cupcakes seemed to soothe the discomfort in my gut—the first time I used food to cover the effects of childhood trauma and emotional pain, an act which would one day become compulsive.

Some effects of childhood trauma were as follows, I sleep walked and talked in my sleep. A recurring nightmare in which I was chased by a tidal wave began. The most difficult aspect of the whole experience was trying to understand why pleasing sexual sensations were so wrong. Sexualized way too young, I pushed my sense responses deep inside, creating a chasm between sense awareness, stimulation and appropriate response. All of these were effects of childhood trauma   

Wearing make-up is still uncomfortable. Questions upset me—I feel intruded upon and become uneasy. I feel safer indoors. The effects of childhood trauma are devastating. The most profound effects of childhood trauma for me was not being able to speak up for myself. These issues, along with my lack of self confidence, affected my ability to make appropriate choices and trust myself. How can one make the right choices when one is out of sync and out of touch with inner feelings, sensations and desires due to the effects of childhood trauma?

The effects of childhood trauma on my life are chronicled in Following the Whispers Overcoming the effects of childhood trauma is also revealed. Today I am content and happy.

Want to know more about the effects of childhood trauma? Get your copy of Following the Whispers today!