According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 1 in 5 girls will experience molestation. I am one of those girls. My trauma began during a sleepover, where I shared a pull-out couch with an older girl who manipulated and intimidated me into engaging in inappropriate activities. I felt scared and pressured, knowing deep down that it was wrong.
Molestation is just one form of childhood trauma. Other forms include physical abuse, witnessing violence such as shootings or stabbings, chronic neglect, natural disasters, accidents, wartime experiences, the loss of loved ones, emotional abuse, and school violence. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a significant number of children—68% by the age of 16—will experience at least one traumatic event. While most won’t develop PTSD, 20% will face academic, emotional, or physical challenges. And the impact of that trauma doesn’t simply vanish in adulthood; its effects can linger throughout life.
Those sleepovers didn’t stop. Out of fear, I kept quiet, allowing the abuse to continue. By the age of seven, I was being repeatedly molested by another child. This led to my withdrawal at school, turning me into a target for teasing—something I was ill-equipped to handle. My grades suffered, and tears became a constant companion.
When I say trauma doesn’t just disappear, I mean it. The International Center for Trauma Stress Studies explains that many individuals who endure childhood trauma grapple with persistent feelings of anxiety, guilt, helplessness, and anger—emotions that may not even seem connected to the original trauma. For instance, I often feel irrational guilt over things beyond my control, like a cluttered kitchen. More alarmingly, childhood trauma can predispose individuals to anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and difficulties in relationships.
In my experience, the abuse exacerbated an underlying depression that was likely already present due to genetic factors. This depression ravaged my childhood, leaving me isolated and struggling. I resorted to self-harm and disordered eating in an attempt to cope with my pain, and I often contemplated suicide.
Reaching adulthood didn’t magically resolve my trauma. It continued to manifest in new ways, deepening my sense of worthlessness. The Association for Psychological Science highlights that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of depression, a debilitating mental health condition. Research indicates that early stress can fundamentally alter the brain’s neurobiological systems related to depression. It’s not simply a matter of “getting over it”—the scars of trauma can alter our very biology. A staggering 75.6% of chronically depressed individuals report significant histories of childhood trauma.
Eventually, I sought help. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—widely recommended for those recovering from abuse—and medication has brought me to a place of healing. There are various treatment options available for those with PTSD, including prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy to reshape thoughts about trauma, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which involves focusing on moving stimuli while recalling distressing memories. Although it may sound unconventional, EMDR is endorsed by the Veterans Administration, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be through friends who have undergone traumatic experiences.
Childhood trauma is treatable, and there is hope. We are not doomed to a life filled with depression and relational strife. However, seeking help is crucial, often requiring a supportive nudge from loved ones—mine was from my partner.
It’s essential to recognize that just because trauma occurred during childhood doesn’t mean individuals can simply “get over it.” Thousands of children today are facing the aftermath of natural disasters, violence, and abuse. These experiences leave deep, lasting marks that fundamentally alter how they think and feel. As adults, we must ensure that these children receive the support they need—counseling, resources, and above all, a secure and loving environment. With the right support, they can navigate their trauma and avoid becoming statistics of depression and anxiety. They may not be able to erase their experiences, but they can find healing and hope.
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In summary, childhood trauma is a complex issue that can deeply affect individuals into adulthood. While healing is possible, it requires acknowledgment, support, and professional intervention. We must advocate for those who suffer and provide the resources needed for recovery.