Family Trauma - Can Reading Literature Help You?
Slaying Dragons through Bibliotherapy
Imagine you are a child hidden away. It’s a small space, barely enough room for you. Muffled voices argue outside your small, closed door. You hear your name, but don’t understand what you did.
In the darkness, loneliness is all you know even though you remember arms that cradled you once. You can’t seem to do anything right until one day you are set free. You start to discover a new world and begin searching for your own identity.
You’re reading Harry Potter. After ten miserable years of neglect and cruelty you are the hero of your own story.
Harry Potter’s ability to not only survive but thrive is an example of a connection to a character that safely demonstrates a way to identify with your own struggles. Harry’s adventures offer a parallel journey that can help you feel less alone in your struggles. In addition, the sense of wonder and adventure can provide a mental break, reducing stress and anxiety.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – pull out quote
How prevalent is childhood Trauma?
As children of abuse sometimes we hide from our dragons. Unable to face its immense power over us, we find other ways to cope.
According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, approximately 60% of adults surveyed reported experiencing at least one type of ACE. The ACEs include various forms of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Specifically: link
2 different sources?
– About **25%** of adults reported experiencing physical abuse.
– **20%** experienced sexual abuse.
– **15%** experienced emotional abuse.
– **16%** lived with someone who was mentally ill or suicidal.
– **10%** had a parent who was incarcerated.
– **28%** lived with someone who had a substance abuse problem.
– **12%** experienced domestic violence.
These figures indicate that childhood trauma affects a large portion of the population, and that there are diverse experiences of abuse. The impact of such trauma can be profound, influencing various aspects of mental and physical health throughout one’s life.
In my own life I experienced domestic abuse which also had elements of mental health issues. During my childhood I witnessed physical violence between several female relatives. In my teens I watched as my stepfather hit my mother and grandmother. I was also on the receiving end when my stepfather punched me in the face (for slurping my soup!).
The result was that I hid both physically and emotionally. What I didn’t know at the time, however, was that the books I read in the following years helped shape me.
In Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott I learned how a family different than mine could function and support each other. The character Jo demonstrated I could be independent and follow my dreams – that I had worth. As a result I believed I could become a writer.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery helped me explore my feelings of loss and fear. The death of Anne’s parents left her at the mercy of others. Anne’s attachment to make-believe provides a refuge from her real emotions. Something I often did (in future this will link to my post about the fairy tale book) growing up when I sought refuge in a tree house I built.
Healing Through Fiction: How Stories Can Help Us Overcome Trauma
Trauma theory in literature examines how traumatic occurrences are processed by and through literary texts. It seeks to understand how trauma is demonstrated, processed, exposed, and repressed.
Trauma can be disorienting and an isolating experience. Whether it’s from a personal loss, abuse, or any other life-altering event, it can leave us feeling fragmented and overwhelmed.
In the quest for healing, many people turn to various methods like therapy, support groups, and self-care practices. But there’s another powerful, often overlooked tool: self-directed reading and in particular fiction.
Fiction provides a safe space where we can explore our deepest fears, hopes, struggles and dreams. It offers an escape from reality while simultaneously allowing us to confront our emotions in a manageable way. Stories can be a mirror reflecting our own experiences, a roadmap for personal growth and overcoming challenges.
An example of a narrative that can inspire us to find our own strength and resilience is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Katniss Everdeen faces overwhelming odds in the novel. The theme of poverty is often used in fiction that demonstrates the powerlessness we have as children. Katniss has little support from her mother and is forced to grow up early to survive. Eventually she uses her intelligence and bravery to navigate a dystopian world. Her story of perseverance and empowerment can motivate readers to confront their own challenges with renewed strength and courage.
Novels offer various perspectives on childhood trauma, each providing a unique narrative that can offer understanding, empathy, and reflection. They address how trauma shapes us and our relationships, making them compelling reads for those interested in exploring the complexities of childhood experiences and their long-term effects.
Perhaps we really can slay dragons – one book at a time.
What novel will you read first? If you want help connecting the dots in your own reading, download my free journal. (create link to journal free download on ConvertKit)
Abuse is a serious issue that may need professional intervention. If you are experiencing patterns of abuse, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
