Do I have ptsd from childhood? a quiz to understand your trauma

PTSD

Oct 9

Impact of Childhood Trauma on Brain Development

Were you exposed to trauma at a young age? You have if you were before the age of 12 and have witnessed death, been sexually or physically abused, exploited or neglected. During childhood, the brain is vulnerable because it is still developing. The impact of childhood abuse during this time is profound, especially if it is from a parental relationship or any caregiver – other family members, teachers or community members. Relationships with adults during this time are the most influential on their development.

PTSD from childhood abuse can dramatically affect the development of the brain. The amygdala, responsible for emotional responses, enlarges, leading to an exaggerated fight-or-flight response. Meanwhile, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which manage memory and learning, shrink. This explains why many survivors of childhood trauma may have fragmented or repressed memories, yet continue to experience psychological challenges, or their voice is stunted to their childlike voice even as an adult.

How Childhood Abuse Can Lead to PTSD

Even if you can’t recall the specific events, PTSD from an abusive childhood can manifest in various ways. Emotional struggles, poor relationship choices, substance abuse, and attachment issues may all point to unresolved trauma. Additionally, childhood trauma can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, where those who have been abused inadvertently reenact similar behavior if they don’t address their psychological wounds.

Seeking professional help is critical to breaking this cycle and healing from trauma, so the cycle of hurt people hurting another stops.

Do I have PTSD from childhood? take the quiz

The PCL-5 questionnaire is commonly used by clinicians to assess PTSD symptoms. Answer these questions to assess your potential for PTSD.

Name

First Name

Last Name

1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?

2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?

3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?

4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?

6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?

7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?

8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?

9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?

10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?

11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?

12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?

13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people?

14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?

15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?

16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?

17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?

18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled?

19. Having difficulty concentrating?

20. Trouble falling or staying asleep?

21. Please enter your email to receive your score!

Thank you for taking the time to answer the questionnaire. You’re doing the hardest part of taking the first steps in recognizing your PTSD symptoms! Taking this quiz will help you understand where you stand on your healing journey. You can receive your score via email upon completion.

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Next Steps

Childhood trauma is one of the deepest pains someone can go through with deep psychological barriers and complexity that is hard to unlock and heal on your own. Although some pains in life can be self-healed, PTSD from childhood abuse often needs expert intervention. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are resources to help you find the right therapist or support group:

How to choose the right therapist

How to choose the right spiritual leader

Links to therapy, teletherapy, and support groups (at bottom of page)

Race specific therapy and trauma resources (at bottom of page)

How Drip Training can help you heal

At Drip Training, we specialize in personal training for those with PTSD who are ready to make lasting changes in their physical response to triggers. Exercise induces the same fight-or-flight response when the brain is triggered in your daily life. By controlling the intensity of exercise through programming and breathwork, we train the body’s capacity to endure both physical and mental pressures. We teach resilience in the body, mind and heart. Ready to transform your life? Click here to talk to Coach Dee.

Conclusion: moving toward healing

Childhood trauma doesn’t have to define your future. By acknowledging the effects of past abuse and taking steps to heal, you can reclaim control over your mind and body. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or personalized training, healing is possible. The path may not be easy, but it’s worth it for the peace and freedom that await on the other side.