Shahid Kapoor shares ’44th-floor’ analogy to heal trauma: ‘Problem was in the basement’

Shahid Kapoor recently shared an analogy to cope with childhood trauma, likening his present age to residing on the 44th floor of a building. During a podcast interview with Prakhar Gupta, Kapoor revealed, "I dwell on the 44th floor. There's a recurring issue with electricity, and I've been inspecting the wiring around the house.

Yet, the root problem lies in the basement. The electrical issue manifested when I was just one year old. Unless I descend to the basement and rectify it, the same problem will resurface in my 44th year."

Psychiatrist Dr Rahul Chandok elaborates that childhood fears can spring from various origins, such as developmental stages, temperament, traumatic events, or imitating others. As children encounter new experiences and concepts, they may feel overwhelmed or frightened. For instance, the fear of darkness often correlates with a child's developing imagination and the inability to differentiate between fantasy and reality.

Certain children are innately more anxious or cautious than others, making them more susceptible to developing fears.

Mental health expert Arushi Sethi Shah adds that childhood trauma can significantly impact behavior, emotions, and relationships long after the events have occurred. Unresolved childhood wounds continue to influence adults, shaping attachment styles, trust in others, and self-esteem. Trauma may manifest physically, causing chronic muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.

It can also affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to hyperarousal or numbing, which may present as physical issues like digestive problems, headaches, or weakened immunity. Memory triggers tied to childhood—specific sensations or environments—can evoke traumatic memories, resulting in physical reactions like a rapid heartbeat or sweating.

To release trauma from the body, Kapoor advises several methods. Mindfulness and body awareness practices, such as meditation and body scans, can help individuals become more attuned to physical sensations linked to trauma. Engaging in physical activities like yoga, tai chi, or dance can also aid in releasing stored tension and emotions.

Breathwork techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, help regulate the autonomic nervous system, alleviating the physical impact of trauma. For those seeking specialized support, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches like somatic experiencing, EMDR, or trauma-informed massage therapy can be highly beneficial.