Experiences of trauma leave many victims with feelings of shame, a voice in their head telling them they are unworthy, disgusting, terrible, or irredeemable. Shame thrives on secrecy and will do anything it can to stop its story from being shared. There are many theories or reasons why trauma and shame may be linked. Let’s consider a few of them and, as we consider them, challenge ourselves to see any personal shame for what it is and allow ourselves to begin the healing process.

Experiencing shame is a painful emotion that can leave us feeling unworthy, damaged, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Unlike guilt, which focuses on a specific behavior or event, shame can consume our whole self, making it difficult to shake off. Shame can stem from childhood experiences, such as being invalidated by caregivers, and can be exacerbated by trauma, neglect, or feeling like an outsider. When left unchecked, shame can lead to negative consequences, such as social withdrawal, addictions, depression, and risky behaviors. Understanding and addressing shame is an essential step toward healing and building self-worth.