The manifestation of childhood trauma
In module two we explored the different types of childhood trauma’s and how these trauma’s can follow a person into adulthood causing adverse health effects. A child’s brain development can be affected by traumatic events, whether these events happen directly to the child or if the child is just a witness to a traumatic situation These effects to the brain development may have lifelong costs. For example, studies have shown that the more adverse childhood experiences a child has, the higher the chance of health problems in adulthood. Children who’ve experienced trauma may be at risk for health problems such as, asthma, depression, heart disease, strokes, etc. Further, these people may have a higher risk of suicide than those who didn’t experience any abuse as a child.
Studies have found a link between childhood abuse and mental health issues in adulthood. How the child becomes psychologically affected can depend on a variety of factors. These factors can range from, the severity of the trauma, if it is long term or short term, the type of trauma, the relationship to the abuser, etc. Each of these factors may either decrease or increase the psychological impact that the trauma has on the child. Children who’ve experience trauma, such as child abuse, may have an increased likelihood of developing several psychological conditions (e.g. bi polar disorder, PTSD, depression etc.). (Morin, 2018)
Instead of seeking help, children and adults may suppress their emotions and bottle up how they are feeling or try to forget the trauma completely. A child with a history of trauma, may be the kid in school who has “behavioral issues”, who displays anger, and aggression for unknown reasons. As kids become adults, the trauma doesn’t just disappear, it is often buried subconsciously. We’ve also learned in our readings that adults may have only fragmented memories of trauma that may appear when they are triggered. Even if an adult did suffer traumatic events in their childhood and had gone years without receiving help, it is never too late to start healing old wounds. However, the sooner the therapy begins, the sooner the healing starts. There is no easy cure, and trauma can’t be healed with a dose of medication. Although medication can help people control their symptoms, trauma is complex to treat, and several interventions together are often more helpful and successful, such as active therapy/counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and/or medications or other alternatives (e.g. service dog) at once. (Dube,2018) Studies have taught us that adverse childhood experiences are more common in people than we would like to imagine. The effects of trauma may not subside on their own, and may pose a significant threat to a person’s life without them even knowing. When this trauma remains unhealed it may then affect the next generation, creating a cycle that is hard to stop. (Dube, 2018)
Dube, S. Rn (2018). The steps that can help adults heal from childhood trauma. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/the-steps-that-can-help-adults-heal-from-childhood-trauma-77152
Morin, A., Forman, J., & LCSW. (n.d.). The Effects of Childhood Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-childhood-trauma-4147640