Unveiling the Hidden Impact of Trauma

For many of us, the experiences of our childhood deeply influence the paths we walk as adults. If you’ve ever felt compelled to suppress your true feelings to remain safe in a volatile environment, I feel you—I was that person, too. Growing up, the atmosphere of my childhood home, charged with tension and unpredictability, taught me the safest option was to remain silent. This necessity to mute my voice came from a deep-seated fear of the consequences that speaking up might bring—emotional and physical repercussions.

As a child, expressing my needs or emotions could escalate into conflicts or lead to further instability, so I learned to adapt to the needs of those around me. I was great at reading a room, at changing the energy with my words, always keeping the peace, even if it meant sacrificing my own well-being.

This behavior followed me into adulthood. When I joined the police force, where I served for 28 years, the demands of the job kept my body on constant alert, mirroring the constant readiness I had learned as a child. My career, coupled with the personal grief of losing my 4-year-old son, and the depression that followed meant my nervous system seldom had a chance to relax, continually bracing for the next crisis.

Five years before retiring from the police, I began to confront and understand the full extent of my hidden trauma. The journey toward healing began with recognizing the signs of trauma, not as dramatic, singular events but as a cumulative effect of prolonged exposure to stress, fear, and suppression. Understanding these subtle, pervasive impacts of trauma was crucial—it marked the beginning of my transformation from survival to true healing and fulfillment.

Today, as the founder of Kay McCready Coaching and McCready’s Mindset Academy, I dedicate my life to empowering women who have faced similar storms. My work as an emotional resilience expert, trauma practitioner, speaker, and 9D Breathwork facilitator centers on helping individuals acknowledge, understand their trauma, and process their emotions.

Many people I work with don’t even recognize their trauma. They often have accompanying illnesses, from migraines and digestive issues to autoimmune disease and physical injuries, without realizing these can be manifestations of unresolved trauma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or want to get a better understanding of trauma and how it can show up in your life, I invite you to discuss this with me. Please reach out through my Linktree where you can find free resources and ways to connect directly. https://linktr.ee/kaymccready

My mission is to illuminate the often-hidden impacts of past traumas on current health, behaviors, and emotional well-being. Many struggles, from chronic health issues to behavioral patterns, stem from unresolved traumas that you might not immediately recognize. By bringing awareness to these issues, I aim to help you understand how your past experiences continue to shape your life.

Understanding leads to awareness, and with awareness comes the power of choice. This newfound insight allows you to see the pathways available for healing and taking control of your future. By confronting and working through these traumas, you can begin to prioritize your needs and desires, moving forward with clarity and strength.

Let my story be a testament that it is possible to transform a life of silent suffering into one of vibrant resilience. You have the power to redefine your life, to heal from your past, and to live with a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity. Embrace this journey, and let it lead you to the life you truly deserve.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine