How to Deal With PTSD from Childhood Trauma in Your Mid-40s

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July 20 2023 - Did you know that childhood trauma affects around 50 percent of American children? According to the National Institute for Children's Health Quality project director Colleen Murphy, childhood trauma can affect anyone, irrespective of their background.

Medical Xpress reports that childhood trauma can lead to mental health problems in adults. It can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being as well and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of course, that doesn't mean it's impossible to deal with childhood trauma, even if you're in your mid-40s.

While it may be challenging, dealing with PTSD in your mid-40s is a crucial step towards healing and personal growth. By acknowledging and addressing the effects of past experiences, individuals can move forward with a healthier and happier life.

In this article, we will discuss six tips to help you navigate and overcome the PTSD from your childhood trauma in your mid-40s.

Seek Professional Help

Dealing with PTSD can be overwhelming, and seeking professional help is an essential step in the healing process. Zencare notes that a qualified therapist or counselor can provide guidance, support, and specialized techniques to help you explore and understand your trauma.

As explained by Texas therapist Radhika Khara, therapy offers a safe space for you to express your emotions, process traumatic memories, and develop coping mechanisms. With the help of a professional, you can gradually heal from the wounds of your past and work towards building a positive future.

Licensed therapist Kiki Tilton echoes something similar. She says that therapy will help you find the strength you need to deal with your PTSD and learn the skills necessary to calm your mind and find hope.

Build a Support Network

For anyone dealing with PTSD due to childhood trauma, no matter what their age is, building a support network is crucial. Consider surrounding yourself with compassionate individuals whom you trust. They can provide you with a sense of belonging, validation, and emotional support.

Seek out friends, family members, or support groups who can empathize with your experiences and offer a listening ear. Share your journey with others who have faced similar challenges. This can be incredibly healing.

Your support network doesn't necessarily have to be filled with people in your own age group. As long as they can relate to your case, they can be of any age and part of the network.

Set Boundaries

Dealing with PTSD can be emotionally draining, which is why you must set boundaries to protect your well-being. Establish clear boundaries with people who may trigger your trauma or who do not support your healing journey. Ask them to point out if something they want to talk about with you contains anything triggering.

If you're uncomfortable with what they have to say, politely state that you don't want to be a part of that conversation. You don't owe them an explanation, so it's fine if you don't want to talk about the reason why you aren't eager to talk about it.

Know that it's okay to say no without guilt and prioritize your needs. As you set boundaries, you get to create a safe space for yourself. That, in turn, will allow you to heal and grow without any interference.

Embrace Forgiveness and Let Go

Forgiving those who have caused you pain and letting go of negative emotions can be a powerful step towards healing from PTSD. It's important to note that forgiveness is not about condoning or forgetting what happened. Instead, it's about letting go of the emotional burden it carries.

Holding onto resentment and anger only perpetuates your suffering. Letting go frees you from the chains of the past, allowing you to reclaim your present and future.

However, forgiveness is a personal journey, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself. At the same time, you should also know that not everyone can let go of the past. If you're one of them, it's okay too. Just make sure you find other ways to cope with the trauma.

Conclusion

As reported by the US Department of Veteran Affairs, around 15 to 43 percent of children and teens have experienced trauma at some point. This childhood trauma might not affect them immediately. However, the fear that it will impact their lives in their later years and lead to PTSD still exists.

If you're someone in your mid-40s and affected by childhood trauma-induced PTSD, rest assured that it is not the end of the world for you. There are many ways to deal with this situation, including the points discussed above. As long as you can exercise a bit of patience and follow all this, dealing with this situation in your mid-40s won't be that difficult.

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