“Child hood trauma – a crutch” on winding roads leading to Wayanad

In today’s day and time when information is accessible to just about everybody, the adage, “a little information is a dangerous thing” comes to mind more than ever. And that is because we as human beings sometimes look at ways to validate our actions.

The reason I decided on this topic for today is because I am hearing, way too often, off late, people dismissing bad behavior because of childhood trauma. And I want to tell you categorically – NO. Childhood trauma and any other trauma, no matter how harsh, bad, terrible, or deeply impacting it was, can be held responsible for our actions, our decisions and our choices only until we are about 18 years of age.

Let me explain why I say this.

This is pure science, pure biology. There is a part of our brain which does not begin to develop till we are about 18 and develops till the time we are about 30. This is the part of the brain that acts as the control center for several functions like planning, decision-making, working memory, and most importantly social behavior. It is the part of the brain that helps us make rational and well thought of choices and decisions.

Now until this part of the brain develops, we can be excused for allowing trauma to control our actions, our thoughts and our deeds. But once this part of the brain develops – we are in full control. That is to say that every action, every thought, every deed and every choice we make is entirely ours and ours alone. Which means that if I allow “childhood trauma” to dictate my behavior, then that is rational choice I am making and hence not excusable.

Now with this understanding, I do hope, that we can start to claim our life back and not allow for the wrong done to us to continue hold sway over us. We cannot and should not excuse our behavior in the name of “childhood trauma” and accept full responsibility for our actions – cause it is only then that we can start to make things right not just for others, but most importantly for ourselves.

Share your comments and thoughts in the comments below and share this video to those who you think this will help.