What Is Preverbal Trauma? Long-Term Effect
When you think about memories from childhood, you may reflect on different stages of your life. But if you think really hard, what is the earliest memory that you can think of?
Even though you were forming memories as an infant, it’s highly unlikely that you actually remember specific moments until you were able to speak. But just because you may be unable to remember these early life events and experiences doesn’t mean your body doesn’t hold onto the memories.
Preverbal trauma can be a difficult form of trauma to recognize because of the lack of memory associated with it, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored.
Let’s learn more about preverbal trauma and its long-term effects.
What is Preverbal Trauma?
Preverbal trauma describes those traumatic events and experiences that take place before an infant or child is able to use language or speech to express themselves. Even though a person may not be able to think back to the specific memory that led to their trauma, the trauma is buried deep inside. This means that the body is more likely to tell you when something is wrong through different patterns and sensations.
The Cause
The cause of preverbal trauma is often due to adverse childhood experiences like:
Accidents
Being hospitalized
Emotional abuse
Exposure to violence
Domestic violence
Medical procedures
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
The Impact
Your past has a way of helping shape you into the person you are today. This means that even those experiences that you can’t precisely remember still have an impact on you. Preverbal trauma can impact a person’s life through their behaviors, interactions, and relationships. These are some of the most significant ways that preverbal trauma can impact a person while they’re growing up and even later in life:
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues like aggression, being impulsive, self-harming, or isolating or withdrawing can be commonly seen in individuals with preverbal trauma.
Cognitive Difficulties
Preverbal trauma can also impact one’s cognitive abilities. Disruptions and difficulties in areas like concentration, learning, and making decisions can be associated with preverbal trauma.
Difficulty Managing Emotions
Since this type of trauma occurs before a person is even able to speak and the trauma isn’t able to be processed, it means that they may struggle with emotional dysregulation. These stored memories in the body can affect a person’s ability to manage their own emotions, which can lead to anxiety, mood swings, and sudden outbursts.
Dissociation
Dissociating is a common coping mechanism that can be seen in individuals with unprocessed trauma. Dissociation is the act of detaching themselves from their own reality as a way to try to feel better. This can look like daydreaming, feeling numb, or spacing out.
Insecure Attachment
Attachment is formed in early childhood between a child and their primary caregiver. When traumatic events take place, it can lead to an insecure or unhealthy attachment style. These instances mean that a child has difficulty trusting their primary caregiver, which can impact their relationships later in life.
Low Self-Esteem
Adverse childhood experiences can also lead to low self-esteem. A person who went through traumatic events as a child may not feel safe or worthy of love.
Physical Sensations
Preverbal trauma can also show up through various signs and symptoms. The most common are physical sensations or aches and pains within the body.
How to Heal
You may not have been able to have control over the experiences from your past, but you’re in full control of your future. Preverbal trauma can be difficult to diagnose, but that doesn’t mean that you just have to continue living with it. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you learn to heal and move forward in your life again. Reach out to JoyFeel Therapy today to learn more.