5 Subtle Signs of Unprocessed Attachment Trauma

"Five subtle signs of unprocessed attachment trauma can include:

1. Chronic Pain

Unexplained physical ailments may originate from having experienced early trauma. Existing research correlates symptoms of fibromyalgia, headaches, gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, muscle aches, back pain, chest pain, and chronic fatigue as associated with the aftermath of experiencing chronic developmental trauma, especially physical abuse.

2. Unexplained Psychological Symptoms

It is very common that people with histories of developmental trauma battle obsessive-compulsive behavior, intense mood swings, irritability, anger problems, depression, emotional numbing, or severe anxiety. These symptoms can vacillate from mild to severe, often co-occur, and may happen intermittently throughout the day where moments of peace and calm are interrupted with feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety. More concerning is that many with histories of developmental trauma will “distract” themselves from these symptoms by minimizing or rationalizing them, or may turn to substance abuse or behavioral addictions as maladaptive ways of overcompensating and self-numbing.

3. Self-Sabotage

At the root of this pattern is a cycle of hurting others, then hurting self. Equally common is heightened emotional sensitivity from unprocessed attachment trauma, which kicks the cycle into gear. Cycles often play out in a circular dance where lashing out, shutting down, or impulsive (self-defeating) behavior results in feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing. Because many with histories of attachment trauma are not consciously aware of their wounds, they operate on survival mode—unconsciously “testing” or “challenging” the emotional investment of those in their lives, then pushing them away out of self-preservation and fears of abandonment. This leads to a pattern of making poor choices for themselves based on impulsivity.

4. Trauma-Blocking Behaviors

This is commonly seen with emotional numbing, avoidance, and escapism, which occur by engaging in momentarily rewarding behaviors that distract from traumatic memories or pain. The problem with this pattern is twofold. First, it maintains a pattern of escapism which does not allow the person to process traumatic pain in a healthy way. Secondly, over time it requires more and more “distraction” in order to continue avoiding the pain as it surfaces. Trauma blocking is seen in compulsive behaviors that include: drug or alcohol addiction, “emotional eating,” turning to relationships to self-numb, workaholism, compulsive and dangerous exercise routines, compulsive internet or technology use, or any other compulsive behaviors that are used to push away intrusive thoughts and emotions.

5. Control Issues

Many who develop control issues in their adult lives were children who felt helpless and were left vulnerable. They may have come from an overly-controlling caregiver who refused their autonomy, made harsh demands and expectations of them, or may have been neglected and left to their own devices to handle things. As adults, they may now control for everything in their life to gain a sense of order, or to push away feelings of anxiety or fears. An overwhelming feeling of powerlessness over their life in childhood often manifests as an over-controlling of everything in their adult lives.

Coping and Healing

Recovery from trauma is different for everyone. It is important to recognize whether you have experienced childhood developmental trauma and to reach a place of self-awareness with its effects on your adult relationships. Because the effects of trauma are often pushed away and ignored as too threatening to our ability to function, it’s important to recognize if there is a pattern of pushing away, avoiding, or escapism in play. Equally important is to speak to a trauma therapist who can help guide and support you in your healing journey."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

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