Today, I am going to talk about something that is probably a new idea or topic for many people. Many people experience symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood. For others, the idea may seem intuitive. Either way, I bet you learn something new! You might tend to think that childhood trauma in adults is invisible and to a degree it may be. However, for many, how to heal from childhood trauma is a life long pursuit. And not just figuratively. Childhood trauma can literally affect your health (not just your mental health) for your entire life. That is why actively working on healing childhood trauma is so important.
In partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness.
Symptom of Childhood Trauma In Adulthood
Childhood trauma refers to experiences of significant and distressing events during one’s formative years that can have long-lasting and profound effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
There is a connection between chronic childhood adversity and long-term health. I don’t find that surprising. However, I had no idea about the studies focusing on just how much childhood trauma affects health. I am partnering with Center for Youth Wellness to talk about Stress Health, share how harmful toxic stress is to our kids in their developmental state and discuss what we can do about it.
I recently watched a TED Talk that blew my mind (video above). Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris shared statistics that clearly show how childhood trauma affects health by measuring differences in development of the brain of children exposed to toxic stress.
The effects of childhood trauma can be diverse and may manifest in various ways, including:
- Mental Health Issues: Conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, or other psychiatric disorders may develop.
- Behavioral Problems: Aggression, withdrawal, self-harm, substance abuse, or risky behaviors might emerge as coping mechanisms.
- Physical Health Concerns: Chronic health issues, altered brain development, or an increased risk of medical conditions can be linked to childhood trauma.
- Social Challenges: Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, trust issues, and challenges in social interactions may arise.
It’s crucial to recognize that the impact of childhood trauma can vary from person to person. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop long-term effects, and the severity of the impact can depend on various factors, including the type, duration, and intensity of the traumatic experience, the presence of supportive relationships, access to resources, and individual resilience.
Address Toxic Stress In Young Children
Childhood trauma or toxic stress in young children is a pervasive problem. What exactly do I mean by toxic stress? I am talking about things like abuse, neglect, and household instability. These types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) result in powerful stress hormones that overwhelm the child’s developing body and brain. The result can be lifelong mental and physical health issues.
If your child has been exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), know that you are not alone and something can be done. Research shows parents can be the most powerful force in preventing and even reversing the impact of toxic stress on young children. It is important to talk to your kids about traumatic events.
However, if left unaddressed, toxic stress can affect health, growth, learning, behavior, immunity, and even genes. Kids who are exposed to very high doses of ACEs without the support of caring adults can have more than double the lifetime risk of heart disease and cancer and a nearly 20-year difference in life expectancy! Not surprisingly, childhood toxic stress also leaves them at greater risk for depression, obesity, substance abuse problems, smoking, and teen pregnancy.
Too often toxic stress is hidden or not discussed. Many people are not even aware of the what toxic stress means or that it can have a direct impact on life-long health.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
Now that we know just how harmful toxic stress can be to our kids, we can do something about it.
You will want to determine if your child is at risk for toxic stress affecting their brain development. What’s Toxic Stress? includes an overview of ACEs science and is a great place to start.
The centerforyouthwellness.org website is a resource that is loaded with valuable ideas for building resilient families that adapt to adversity in healthy ways.
Conclusion
Recovery from childhood trauma often involves seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to address the emotional and psychological effects. Building a support network, practicing self-care, and developing healthy coping mechanisms are also crucial steps in the healing process.
Now you know how childhood trauma affects health. Toxic stress does, in fact, affect brain development. Help spread the word and share this article so that we can work together to help support those kids that need our help most.
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Leonardo says
Just wow. I can so relate to this.