In our work with people who suffer from mental health conditions, we have experienced many who have undergone childhood trauma. Their stories have been supported by research, such as a meta-analysis of research showing that childhood adversities increase the risk of psychosis1.
In the above-mentioned research, it was found that the content of the hallucinations and delusions was often related to the childhood trauma. The range of childhood adversities that were found to play a causal role included abuse, neglect, poverty, loss, being fostered/adopted and the like.
Part of the healing process for these individuals lies in hearing their voices and validating their experiences. It is our hope that their narratives can be developed and reframed to give them hope and new meaning. We all deserve to look forward to a brand new day, with a past that can only make us stronger.
