Today, I find myself contemplating about childhood trauma. Numerous factors can subject a child to psychological trauma, ranging from relatively mild experiences to severe atrocities. While some individuals may exhibit resilience in the face of certain adversities, others may not. In this vast world, brimming with both wonder and cruelty, childhood traumas are sadly not uncommon in human society.
I'm reminded of a child who was separated from her mother when she was less than a year old. She was reunited with her mother after three long years, and since it was just a few months of being back together, she yearned for her mother's attention. That very night, witnessing her parents together for the first time in her life, she yearned for their affection and reassurance of their love, despite the years of separation. While a child can easily fall asleep within an hour, the adults lacked the patience to accommodate the child's need to sleep with her mother. As a result, she faced harsh punishment and was made to believe it was her own fault for seeking her mother's presence until she reached adulthood.
She was oblivious to the harmful social beliefs prevailing
around her. Being a girl and the firstborn child brought with it societal
disapproval. Moreover, her birth on a particular day of the week carried a
significant stigma for a firstborn child. Unbeknownst to her, she had already
undergone ordeals aimed at mitigating the perceived harm she could bring to her
family. These included practices such as symbolic selling to a monk and various
rituals.
During her childhood, she bore witness to gender-based violence inflicted upon people dear to her. The first instance occurred when she was too young to comprehend the situation fully, but she sensed that something was profoundly amiss and felt a pervasive sense of insecurity.
The second time, she was old enough to understand the gravity of the situation. What's worse, she was cursed by the victim, who believed she would be the one to pay back for what they had endured. She was too young to shield her emotions, and even though she tried to forget that curse, it penetrated deep into her mind and continued to affect her throughout her life.
The last incident took place with someone who slept just two arm lengths away
from her. At the time, she was unaware of it, only learning about it later.
This revelation left her with a burden of guilt and insecurity, ultimately
leading her to suppress these memories.
Secondhand trauma can also leave a profound impact on a
child's psyche, yet many people are not aware of its effects. In recent times,
numerous distressing stories are emerging within society, and sadly, these
narratives often seem to hold little significance for the community. There
exists an expectation for everyone to exhibit strength, resilience, and rapid
healing.
These are the thoughts occupying my mind these days.
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| A Picture Created With An AI |
