How to overcome anxiety & heal from childhood trauma

Childhood experiences play an important role in the structure of the human psyche. Something that often goes unnoticed.

In this article, I’ll explore the connection between anxiety & childhood trauma, & how to begin your healing journey.

Understanding the roots:

To heal from childhood trauma & anxiety, it’s crucial to analyse & understand the roots of it. Childhood trauma can manifest itself in various ways, & its impact often goes deeper than we can imagine.

Dr. Gabor Maté suggests that early life experiences shape the structure of our brains & lay the foundation for our emotional responses throughout our lives.

Imagine that your mind is a garden, & the experiences of your childhood are the seeds that were sown. For some, these seeds grew into strong, healthy trees, representing a foundation of security, love, & nurturing.

But for others, the seeds took root in rocky soil, where the ground was far from stable. This instability can stem from different adverse childhood experiences.

Emotional neglect, physical or emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, or growing up in an environment filled with chaos & unpredictability. Refugee trauma, displacement, & not having a place to call home are all major contributors to childhood trauma.

This can impact the way your brain processes emotions & stress, leading to a heightened vulnerability to anxiety in adulthood.

Recognising & acknowledging the roots of your anxiety is the first step towards healing. It allows you to understand that your struggles are not baseless; they’re rooted in your past experiences.

Understand & internalise this: your anxiety is not your fault. Your childhood experiences & the world we live in today are behind your emotional instability.

The Modern World & the Fostering of Anxiety:

The world we live in today presents a unique set of challenges that can foster anxiety in individuals, even without a history of childhood trauma.

Many jobs often lack the depth of meaning and fulfilment that humans inherently seek, leading to a pervasive sense of emptiness.

The ever-increasing influx of information through social media & the digital age created an overwhelming environment, bombarding us with a constant stream of stimuli.

The pressure to stay connected 24/7, coupled with the fear of missing out, has blurred the line between work and personal life, contributing to the burnout epidemic.

Are you starting to see it now?

It’s essential to recognise how our modern world, while offering incredible advancements, also brings about unique stressors that can worsen anxiety, even in those without a history of childhood trauma.

Anxiety & the nervous system:

Anxiety is linked to our nervous system, & understanding how the parasympathetic & sympathetic branches function in the context of childhood trauma is important.

The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response, becomes hyperactive in people with a history of childhood trauma. This heightened alertness can lead to persistent anxiety, as the body remains in a state of readiness for perceived threats.

The parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “rest & digest” state, can be under-active, making it difficult to relax.

The imbalance of these systems can result in a constant sense of unease & hypervigilance, stemming from early life experiences that wired the brain to anticipate danger even when it no longer exists.

Healing & Self-Compassion:

Healing from childhood trauma is a journey of self-compassion & self-discovery. It’s about giving your inner child the love & care they needed but didn’t receive.

Dr. Maté emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in this process. It’s about looking at yourself with understanding & kindness, as you would with a dear friend.

Numerous studies have shown that self compassion leads to decreased levels of anxiety, stress, & depression. It’s important to differentiate between self compassion & self pity.

Self compassion is the thought process that what happened to you is unfortunate, whereas self pity is thinking what happened to you was unfair.

With self compassion, you’re able to overcome what happened & move forward. But with self pity you’re bound to get stuck in a victim mentality.

Practical Steps for Healing:

• Breathwork. These practices can help you stay grounded in the present, reducing the impact of past experiences on your daily life. Breathwork is crucial in soothing your nervous system. It signals to your brain that there is no danger, bringing you back into a calmer state.

• Journaling. Writing about your thoughts & emotions can help you process your experiences & gain insights.

• Self-Care. Focus on self-care in your daily routine. This includes healthy eating, exercise, & adequate sleep. This also includes setting self respecting boundaries with the people in your life.

• Seek professional help if you can. Therapists, Psychologists, & counselors can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate your trauma.

• Build a support system. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey & offer emotional support.

• Practice forgiveness. Forgive not only those who may have caused the trauma but also yourself. It’s an act of liberation.

• Embrace your vulnerability. Vulnerability is the path to healing. Let yourself feel the emotions that arise and seek help when needed.

Your journey to healing from childhood trauma is not linear or easy, but it’s the only way forward.

Dr. Gabor Maté’s insights remind us that healing is possible, & the first step is acknowledging the connection between anxiety & past experiences, & how to soothe your nervous system.

Remember that you have the power to rewire your brain, reframe your narrative, & create a brighter, more serene future.

If others can do it, so can you.