3 Keys to Identify if Your Childhood Trauma (Still) Triggers You

Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on our lives, shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Even if we don't realize it, our past experiences can continue to influence our behavior in the present, leading us to respond in ways that are not always healthy or helpful. In this blog, we'll explore three key signs to identifying if your childhood trauma triggers you today.

1- You feel invisible. Like you’re not seen or heard.

This might happen when trying to talk to your partner to tell them something isn’t quite right for you. You feel like you’ve been dismissed and not validated. You say it nicely, yell, cuss. It doesn’t matter bc things don’t change. 

The same thing happens when you ask your kids to do something. You ask nicely, they don’t respond. It takes you yelling and losing your shit to even get a reaction from them. 

You don’t even bother anymore with trying to tell people what’s on your mind because what’s the point…it’s easier to do what needs to get done and try to take care of things on your own.

2- Do you feel like you’re the last one on the list? It seems that everyone else matters more than you.

You don’t take time for yourself. When you actually try, it’s interrupted by a kid knocking on the bedroom door while you’re trying to get dressed asking you where their clean clothes are. 

When you sit down to eat you’re asked to get another thing for a kid or your partner. It is cold by the time it’s finally your turn to eat your food. 

You’re constantly asked for things. You give, give, give. You don’t get nearly as much in return. When it’s your turn to ask for something, you’re told ‘no’. Your partner isn’t able to get off of work or your friend already has plans. You’re left feeling like you can only count on yourself and that you’re just the maid for everyone in your life. 

3- You don’t trust yourself. You constantly question yourself and wonder if what you think and feel is even true. You also have a hard time making decisions. 

You’ve been told you’re wrong so many times before that you feel like no matter what you’re going to make the bad decision and fail as a mom. There is so much information coming at you from blogs, social media, the news, and what you hear other moms talking about. You don’t even know what to think or believe. 

You convince yourself that you’re wrong. You look for all the ways it’s true even when it’s not. You’ve stopped trusting your gut even though it’s screaming at you to listen. You end up asking anyone that will listen to what they think before you make a decision. 

I remember that one night while sitting at dance class, a mom friend asked if I let my girls eat Goldfish crackers. I said I do. She said she used to but stopped once a mom at a mommy and me group told her they were filled with petroleum. 

The moment my mom friend heard this she immediately used this to justify that she was failing her kids by not giving them healthier snacks. I wanted to shake her bc her kids are very healthy eaters. They don’t eat the typical kid food like chicken nuggets and boxed mac & cheese. They ask for salad. They LOVE salmon. They eat healthy grains like couscous and quinoa. 

Yet she let one small moment override all the good and became overly focused on the bad. 

If you're struggling with childhood trauma triggers, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Many people experience these triggers, and it's okay to seek help and support as you navigate these difficult emotions.

Remember to be gentle with yourself, and to take the time you need to heal and grow. With patience, self-compassion, and the right tools and resources, you can learn to manage your triggers in a healthy and effective way, and move forward with greater resilience and strength.

I’m Kim Keane, a coach and energy healer dedicated to help women like you overcome their trauma and live a wonderful and fulfilling life. If you need some help, please contact me!