5 effective strategies for coping with childhood trauma

5 effective strategies for coping with childhood trauma

Our former relationships with parents/caregivers create the basis of our adult relationships. If we were born in an environment of:

• Chaos
• Impulsive behavior
• Devoid of emotional connection
• Lack of clear boundaries
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms
• Abandonment
• Self betrayal to receive love

Repeating childhood dynamics in adulthood

These negative experiences form the foundation for which we view life as adults. In addition we develop feelings of self-worthlessness. Self betrayal patterns which we began as children in order to receive love and validation from a parent whom we had a conflicted relationship with continues with romantic partners. Then we find ourselves repeating the same dynamics in adulthood we experienced in childhood to make things right. 5 effective strategies for coping with childhood trauma.

How can you be able to move from self-defeating patterns

Rejecting negative feelings and substituting them with alternative positive choices constitute a healthy way to obtain a positive rational lifestyle. Above all, pessimistic thoughts tend to take over automatically and without following any logical pattern. Therefore, positive thinking must be a continuing and permanent style of mental activity.

Positive thoughts about oneself

Avoid building your self-concept based on what you were told by your parents or basing it on social media and celebrities. People including parents do what they do, the way they do it based on who they are and the information they have at the time. It was how they knew how to raise children, their love was conditional, we have to forgive them. Now as an adult, can we be able to identify who we are now? Have we done inner work?  Accepted our weaknesses and did something to improve them. Pay keen attention to your thoughts and reject self-deprecating views of yourself.

Positive thoughts about the past

The past cannot be altered, accept it even though it may contain unpleasant experiences. Furthermore, it is now in the past and it cannot be changed. Avoiding feeling guilty over the past for your present problems. This will not help you as those choices were based on what you had learnt, how you perceived yourself, who you were and what you believed. As for as past positive experiences, remember them and enjoy them. A growing mindset going through challenges sees them as opportunities. This will greatly help improve your attitude.

Positive thinking about the future

Your attitude today affects tomorrow’s events. Consequently, thinking with confidence and hope about tomorrow will increase the probability of a much more successful future. If there is something negative bound to happened, make plans to prevent it instead of becoming anxious about it. Anxiety is a negative feeling and you have a right to reject it.

Positive thoughts about people and environment

We are permanently surrounded by dangers and risks and it is natural to always feel anxious and fearful. Nevertheless, there are still beautiful things and pleasant experiences in life, if we focus on them, we will see them. Do not grow mistrustful of other people. Have confidence in them and respect them and strive to feel affection towards them. Be emphatic towards others as they also face their own difficulties. Help them and you will notice how your attitude will become better.