![]() Difficulty with self-control and self-regulation, perhaps leading to behavioural problems, can also suggest potential PTSD from childhood trauma. Learning and memory issues, inadequate social skills, and problems relating to other people are among the many possible indications that an adult’s brain development may have been affected by childhood trauma. When the brain is denied access to any of these key ingredients, the effects can often be felt and observed deep into a person’s life. How do Traumatic Events Affect the Brain?Īs mentioned earlier, much of our brain development occurs during childhood – and requires a stable, supportive environment in order to achieve a healthy internal balance. Poor physical health, such as headaches and stomachaches.įailure to treat these symptoms, and especially the underlying psychological issues at the heart of long-term distress, can lead to many of the above symptoms remaining into adulthood.An increased tendency to worry, or become sad, irritable, or angry.Difficulty sleeping or focusing on schoolwork.Anger, aggression, and self-destructive behaviour.Fear and anxiety, as well as feelings of isolation leading to depression.To break free from this troubling mental loop, many children become increasingly vigilant and alert in an effort to avoid situations similar to the ones that caused the initial trauma. One common symptom of a traumatic event is the phenomenon of repeatedly re-experiencing the trauma in their own minds, perhaps leading the child to avoid emotional triggers that call the disturbing event back into their thoughts. Affected children often find it difficult to trust others due to the distress caused by their previous experiences, and some turn to anti-social behaviour as an outlet for their emotions. L, however, PTSD from childhood trauma is a more common occurrence than many would expect. In some instances, traumatic experiences can lead to symptoms that last weeks or months, but fall short of developing into PTSD. ![]() It is true that distress and trauma do not necessarily lead to long-term consequences – and in many cases children are able to make a quick and full recovery from events which appear to be emotionally or physically harmful. Post-traumatic stress disorder is among the long-term effects of the types of experiences listed above, although that affliction can manifest itself in a variety of ways. If they are abandoned by their family or guardian, the child will likewise be left without the guidance and support they depend on through their early years. ![]() When a child’s family or guardians are unable or unwilling to meet their basic physical or emotional needs, the child’s inner growth may suffer as a result. Other highly emotional events, such as parental separation through divorce or a household member sent to prison, can leave emotional scars as well. Unstable environments including extreme stress, substance abuse, violence (especially to the mother), or mentally ill members of the household can negatively influence personal growth in childhood. When children witness trauma experienced by others around them, they also absorb much of the distress themselves. Trauma Originating in The Child’s Immediate EnvironmentĬhildren depend on their immediate environment for much of their emotional development. The term ‘abuse’ encompasses emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, any of which can lead to long-term consequences. What is a Traumatic Childhood?Īccording to the National Institute of Mental Health (USA), childhood trauma is defined as: “The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.” Such an event can take many forms, which include but are not limited to the following: Childhood AbuseĬhildren need support from their families and the people around them, and the betrayal of this responsibility can cause great physical and mental injury. These can include a range of psychological issues, of varying severity, that may need trauma/PTSD treatment so that the person can lead a full and enriching life. Negative or traumatic experiences early in life can influence the direction of a person’s adult life as well, and the effects of childhood trauma are important to understand. But our ability to be easily shaped during this period also carries some risks.
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