In our last essay – part two of this three part essay series – we explored how our childhood trauma adaptations, originally rooted in attempts purely to cope with if not survive our painful early experiences, could have developed qualities and characteristics in us as adults that have served us well academically, professionally, financially, etc.
Today, in this third of the three-part series, we’re going to explore how all of these adaptations can also become a proverbial Kryptonite and how we can begin to discern when and how this is happening and then seek out the right kind of support to “reduce the Kryptonite” (so to speak).
Childhood trauma adaptations as proverbial Kryptonite.
As we discussed previously, childhood trauma adaptations may morph into strengths or “superpowers.”
But their flip side can act as “kryptonite,” undermining our adult lives—professionally, financially, logistically, and relationally—when the context that necessitated these adaptations has passed and the adaptations are now running us on autopilot.
Let’s illustrate this with some examples from the eight adaptations we’ve used across this three-part essay series.
Hyper-vigilance, for example, may serve well in high-stakes environments requiring acute awareness. Yet, in everyday settings, this constant alertness can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, or strained personal relationships due to perceived overreaction to minor threats (perceived or actual).
Another example?
People-pleasing behavior, while fostering harmonious relationships as we previously discussed, can also lead to a loss of personal identity and boundaries. In professional settings, this might manifest as difficulty in saying no, leading to overcommitment and burnout.
Now let’s talk about dissociation.
Dissociation, valuable for creative endeavors, can become problematic. Especially when it impairs one’s ability to stay present in critical conversations or situations. It impacts personal and professional relationships. The detachment from reality can hinder emotional connections with others and oneself, leading to isolation not to mention a host of disorienting experiences from a lack of being personified and presentified.
Another example?
Emotional numbing protects against pain but also dulls joy and satisfaction, making meaningful personal connections challenging. This can translate into a lack of passion or drive professionally, affecting career advancement and satisfaction.
