How to Share Your Childhood Trauma on T&E

Our Philosophy

1. We're about sharing our past, not our present

We believe healing starts with coming to terms with the past. That's why we ask that you do not mix in too much of the present into your memory posts or comments.

2. We're about sharing our childhood, not our adulthood

Looking back on your early years can be healing − it offers an opportunity for objectivity and self-reflection. Stay focused on your childhood, as best as you can.

3. Why remembering and sharing our childhood can be healing

We believe that sharing childhood memories promotes increased self-reflection. It can lead to gradual acknowledgment of your unique life path, and with time, having more acceptance of yourself, others and society - self-empathy.

4. Other benefits of sharing your childhood memories

Sharing memories in a supportive environment can provide validation, reduce isolation, and help you recognize common childhood patterns that go beyond you and your family. Many users report significant emotional relief, new perspectives on their personal experiences, and stronger connections with others who understand their journey. Remember that every shared memory contributes to a collective understanding that can benefit both you and others.

How to Share Your Childhood Trauma

1. How do I start sharing my childhood trauma?

If you haven't shared your story with a professional or a trusted person, we recommend starting there. This is often the safest and most supportive way to begin. Many people later choose to share their experiences more widely to connect with others and hear their perspectives.

To share on our platform, click the blue central button Start Sharing Your Childhood Memory. You'll be prompted to:

• Select who the memory involves (e.g., parent, sibling, teacher).

• Categorize it as 😀 Happy, 😔 Unhappy, or 😕 Bittersweet.

• Write a description of what happened.

• Optionally, upload a childhood photo, if appropriate.

2. What's the difference between a childhood memory and a story?

A childhood memory focuses on a single event (minutes/hours), told from a child's perspective with vivid details. Example: My father yelled at me for spilling milk; his face turned red, and I hid under the table.

A childhood story weaves multiple memories into a broader narrative (weeks/years) and may include adult analysis. Example: My parents' divorce left me feeling abandoned, and I acted out in school.

Which to share?

• If you're new to healing, stories can help frame your experiences.

• If you've already processed your past, exploring specific memories may unlock deeper insights.

3. What details should I include in my childhood memory?

Consider these prompts to enrich your memory (include what feels comfortable):

📍 Setting: Where were you? (e.g., home, school, babysitter's).

🕕 Age: How old were you? (approximate is fine).

👤 People: Who was involved? What did they say/do?

👁️ Sensory details: Sights, sounds, smells, or physical sensations.

💔 Emotions: What did you feel in the moment?

🗣️ Aftermath: Did you tell anyone? How often do you recall this now?

Note: Memories don't need to be perfectly structured—just honest.

4. How do I continue sharing my childhood trauma?

After posting your memory, click on it and navigate to the 🤝 Empathize tab in the top right hand corner. Look for the + Tag Your Childhood Trauma button—this feature helps you explore your memory and your childhood trauma more deeply.

Adding tags will help you reflect on specific aspects of your experience, including:

👼 Your Age at the Time

🏚️ Your Home and Siblings

🚶‍♀️‍➡️ People's Actions

😣 Ongoing Challenges

😱 Sudden Shocks

❤️ Your Feelings

🙏 Your Needs

🤔 Your Thoughts

🎭 Your Personality Changes

🏫 School and Adolescence Challenges

🏥 Any Health Changes You May Have Experienced

Why add tags?

• Others can empathize with specific aspects of your experience that resonate with them

Connect with people who've had similar experiences

Keep in mind: Take your time and go at your own pace—processing your trauma in greater detail might bring up difficult emotions. Read Tips on How to Share Sensitively.

5. How do I share trauma that involved multiple people?

Content to be added

6. How do I share specific traumatic events?

Content to be added

How to Tag Complex Trauma

1. What is simple trauma?

Content to be added

2. What is complex trauma?

Content to be added

3. Can you give me some examples of complex trauma?

Content to be added

How to Empathize and Self-Empathize

1. How can I empathize with others on this platform?

Content to be added

2. How can I empathize with myself?

Content to be added

How We Approach Childhood Trauma

1. What defines childhood trauma?

On our platform, if you believe you've experienced childhood trauma, that's enough. We honor that belief and start from where you are.

2. How do I know if I've experienced trauma?

It's important to distinguish between people who have experienced trauma but may not be consciously aware of it, and those who are. People with childhood trauma often recognize it within themselves.

A key part of healing begins when you acknowledge that your trauma exists. If you are here, it means you're considering the possibility of childhood trauma in your life—and that awareness already puts you on the path to healing.

Self-Care Resources

1. What grounding techniques can help before and after sharing?

Content to be added

2. When should I seek professional help?

Content to be added

Immediate Support Resources

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357