Trauma has a large impact on our self perception. It can shake our confidence, make us feel worthless and also can have a deep long lasting negative impact for many years to come. Many people face trauma whether it is physical, psychological or emotional. In this blog post i will share the science behind trauma and the brain as well as ways that I combated my self doubt.

How Trauma Leads to Self-Doubt

Trauma changes the way we see ourselves and the world. When we experience a painful event, our brain creates protective mechanisms to prevent us from getting hurt again. Unfortunately, these mechanisms often manifest as self-doubt, fear, and insecurities. When faced with trauma, the brain goes into survival mode, triggering the fight, flight, or freeze response. Over time, this can lead to anxiety and self-doubt, making it difficult to trust our instincts and decisions

Trauma often leads to thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve happiness.” These beliefs shape our self-identity and make it hard to build confidence. trauma can lead to perfectionism and a fear of failure, causing people to avoid challenges rather than risk making mistakes. Many survivors struggle with self-isolation, social anxiety, or feelings of unworthiness, making it hard to build confidence. In some cases, emotional numbness can further disconnect individuals from their strengths and achievements.

• Trust Issues – Experiencing betrayal, neglect, or abuse can make it difficult to trust not only others but also ourselves, leading to hesitancy in making decisions.
• Perfectionism & Fear of Failure – Trauma can instill the fear of making mistakes, leading to perfectionism and a reluctance to take risks.

why trauma is affecting your confidence

When trauma affects confidence, it often shows up in subtle yet powerful ways. You may find yourself constantly second-guessing decisions, feeling unworthy of success, or struggling with imposter syndrome, where you doubt your achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud. Trauma can also make it difficult to accept compliments or recognize your own strengths, as self-doubt clouds your perception of personal worth. Many people avoid new opportunities out of fear of failure, staying in their comfort zone to protect themselves from disappointment. If you notice these patterns in your life, it may be a sign that unresolved trauma is impacting your confidence and self-belief.

How I rebuilt confidence after trauma and you can too

When I first felt my trauma knocking my confidence, I struggled deeply with my self-image. I thought I wasn’t good enough anymore after everything I had gone through. The world around me felt different, almost as if it had shifted overnight. But more than anything, I wasn’t the same. I no longer felt happy in my body or comfortable in my own skin.

At first, I didn’t know how to fix it. But instead of letting those feelings define me, I decided to look within myself and understand why my trauma had affected me so much. That was the first step—awareness. From there, I slowly started rewiring my mind by focusing on my achievements after trauma rather than what I had lost. I began journalling, writing down my thoughts and emotions, helping me process my feelings instead of avoiding them. I used affirmations daily, reminding myself that I am enough, that my past does not define me, and that healing is possible. I also took small steps each day to regain my sense of self—whether it was engaging in self-care, setting tiny goals, or simply celebrating small wins.

Conclusion

Through this journey, I realized that confidence after trauma isn’t built overnight—it’s a process. Self-doubt may still creep in, but with intentional self-work, you can silence that inner critic and step into your full potential. Believe in yourself, embrace your growth, and remember that you are worthy of confidence and self-love.But by shifting your mindset, acknowledging your strength, and taking intentional steps toward healing, you can rebuild yourself. If I could do it, so can you.

What are some ways you have worked on rebuilding your confidence? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Remember, it all starts with self love

-M

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