Untreated childhood trauma frequently goes undiagnosed, and the symptoms are treated as separate conditions and/or misdiagnosed.
The following is adapted from Adele M. Gill’s new inspirational self-help book entitled, ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson.
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PTSD, unrelenting depression and anxiety of unknown origin, and many neuro-autoimmune disorders such as MS, MG, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc… often goes hand-in hand, and can signal untreated childhood trauma. Untreated childhood trauma frequently goes undiagnosed, and the symptoms are treated as separate conditions and/or misdiagnosed. Medicine today most often deals with either medical or psychiatric conditions, but not both. I know this because I went to 70+ doctors before finding my doctor I have had for 25 years, in pursuit of my own wellness for the ‘trifecta.’
In my case, untreated childhood trauma caused my medical issues by damaging my neuro-autoimmune system. We certainly have a long way to go before we are able to treat people holistically in mainstream medicine--body, mind and spirit.
In my youth, while seeking solace in the face of mayhem and torment, I endured much but ultimately always turned to my faith for comfort and hope, over and again. As a child, I was not allowed to read the Bible, much less own one, as my mother said only a Catholic priest could accurately decipher what was in there. However, I got a Bible from a friend when I was thirteen and kept it under my mattress to avoid my mother’s rage and harsh punishment for not following her unreasonable, oppressive rules. Initially, I started reading the New Testament and Psalms in the Good News Bible. Reading the Bible has continued throughout my adult-life, and it brings me solace, healing, discernment, peace, and even joy, as I strive to turn to God for help through the Gospels, especially Matthew and John. These chapters are a great starting point as they are filled with encouragement, practical wisdom, and direction.
Little did I know while reading the Bible in my youth that it would have such a positive healing impact in later years. Reading Scripture is how our new book came to be, entitled, ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You.’
No matter how much I have been hurting, or what I have endured, I always return to prayer, my Bible, and my Christian roots to get me through. Faith in God did not remove the fact that my early home situation was dire, but it gave me glimmers of hope that have been sustaining; and for me, praying and reading the Bible have everything to do with my being able to move from broken to blest. They are my secret weapons for healing. Though not all of the physical effects of the ‘trifecta’ from the untreated childhood have resolved, I am grateful to God to be back on track despite some limitations. I am confident that I will be fully healed one day—in God’s time—and that is good reason for great hope.
Adele M. Gill is a retired RN, a board certified Disability Analyst (ABDA), a Chaplain, and the author of 3 books, including her new inspirational self-help book, ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ now available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.com. She is a tireless mental health advocate residing in Maryland, and writes on many mind-body-spirit topics.
