We keep hearing the word “trauma” very often, pretty casually, but what does it mean? What is the impact of it really? What are the types? Can it be used this loosely? Let’s explore and understand this topic! To begin, let’s get technical. Any emotionally upsetting or unpleasant event that has a long-term effect on a person’s mental and physical health is referred to as childhood trauma. It can happen when a child watches or goes through traumatic childhood events. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as neglect are just a few of the early events that can overwhelm a child. These can happen in relationships that involve aggression, exploitation, assault, neglect, or abuse.
The effects of childhood trauma can be profound and far-reaching, and they are more common than you might believe. According to research, about two-thirds of children will experience at least one traumatic event by age 16. And that’s a big number, right?
We know you are wondering what exactly this means, well, it can range from accidents, natural disasters, conflict and unrest, medical operations, or unexpected death, divorce, forced adoption, or separation to imprisonment of a parent or caretaker or anything distressing. Let’s go ahead and look at the types!
Unpacking the Types of Childhood Trauma
- Physical abuse: The use of physical force on a child that causes harm or injury is one form of childhood trauma. It may involve kicking, punching, slapping, or even going beyond that. Research suggests that one in four kids face abuse or neglect at some point in their lives.
- Neglect: Neglect happens when the caretaker disregards a child’s fundamental needs, such as food, shelter, and medical attention.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity that occurs between a child and an adult or another child who is significantly older or more powerful. Research shows that, under the age of 18, one in nine females and one in every twenty males experience sexual abuse or assault.
- Emotional abuse: The use of words or deeds to undermine a child’s sense of worth, self-esteem, and emotional stability is known as emotional abuse. A child may be insulted, shamed, or subjected to humiliation.
The impact of each of these can be severe and long-lasting. Let’s take a better look at the effects.
What Shapes Childhood Trauma?
The family is a child’s first and most important environment, and the quality of this environment can have a big impact on the child’s development. Childhood trauma may be more likely to affect kids who are raised in violent, abusive, or neglectful families.
Children may also experience distress after parental death, separation, or divorce.
Trauma may also be more likely to affect children who are raised in low-income or families in poverty. A child’s risk of trauma can be increased by a number of factors, including financial strain, housing conditions, etc.
A child’s risk of trauma can also be influenced by the parents’ or caretakers’ mental health. Parents who battle mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance addiction may be more prone to pass it on. Due to genetic factors also, certain children may be more susceptible to trauma. According to research, specific genetic variants can raise a child’s risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic experience.
Does Childhood Trauma Leave A Lingering Shadow?
Now that we know the risk factors and types, let’s look at the impact.
Short-term effects:
Childhood trauma can have an immediate and long-lasting impact on a child’s physical, emotional, and behavioural health. Children who experienced childhood trauma may also experience major emotional impacts such as anxiety, fear, and anger. A variety of emotional reactions, including difficulties falling asleep, crying spells or irritability, might result from these feelings. It might also experience a sense of detachment from other people making it difficult to establish and sustain relationships.
A variety of behavioural outcomes, such as disturbed sleep, anger, or withdrawal from social situations, might also occur. A child who has endured physical abuse, for instance, can develop increased aggression or social withdrawal, whereas someone who has experienced emotional abuse might have issues with intimacy and trust. All children that encounter trauma won’t necessarily display this particular behaviour, though. It is a very subjective topic and differs for each individual.
Trauma can also affect a child’s developing brain and change how the brain functions. For instance, research suggests that the prefrontal cortex of the brain, (which regulates emotions and judgements) may be impacted by childhood trauma.
Long-term effects:
Children who experienced trauma as children may be more prone to illness and long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Additionally, it can leave individuals feeling depressed, and anxious, or even have PTSD. People who have experienced childhood trauma may occasionally act out in various ways, such as using drugs, harming themselves, or finding it difficult to build positive relationships with other people. For instance, if a person experienced abuse in childhood, they may be more prone to using drugs or alcohol to cope.
So, How To Heal?
Taking care of oneself is crucial to healing from childhood trauma. This includes things like physical activity, mindfulness practises like meditation and yoga, as well as time spent outdoors. Research has shown that self-care practises can assist to minimise the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can be quite helpful for those who endured trauma as children to have a network of friends and family members who will assist them. In this case, getting in touch with people you can rely on for emotional support may be vital. Attending a support group can provide a safe environment for sharing experiences and receiving support from people who have been through similar circumstances.
The best and the most-tested method is to seek professional help. Receiving therapy, counselling, or other mental health care may be necessary for some situations. This may help with PTSD symptoms and other mental health problems brought on by childhood trauma, according to a study. We hope you find a way to deal with and heal from childhood trauma.
