7 Types of Childhood Trauma and Impacts on adulthood.

When discussing trauma, it is helpful to be aware of potential childhood trauma that kiddos can experience. Trauma refers to any negative experience that can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional and psychological well-being. Certain types of trauma can impact children differently. There are many signs and symptoms that you may notice from your children that can be worrisome. Some common types of childhood trauma include:

1. Physical abuse: Physical abuse involves the intentional use of physical force that results in injury, harm, or pain to a child.

2. Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual contact with a child, including sexual assault, molestation, and sexual exploitation.

3. Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse involves behaviors that can cause psychological harm to a child, such as name-calling, ridicule, humiliation, and belittling.

4. Neglect: Neglect involves the failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and emotional support, to a child.

5. Domestic violence: Children who are exposed to domestic violence can suffer from a range of physical and emotional effects, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

6. Community violence: Children who are exposed to violence in their community, such as school shootings, gang violence, and terrorism, can also suffer from traumatic stress.

7. Natural disasters: Children who experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, can be traumatized by the loss of their homes, belongings, and the security of their communities.

Trauma can result in a wide range of negative behaviors that are used as coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional pain and distress caused by the traumatic experience. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

1. Substance abuse: Many young teens will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the emotional pain caused by trauma. This can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.

2. Self-harm: Some children may engage in self-harming behaviors such as cutting or burning themselves as a way of coping with emotional pain.

3. Eating disorders: Trauma can lead to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.

4. Aggression and violence: Some children may become aggressive or violent as a way of coping with trauma, especially if they have not received appropriate treatment.

5. Avoidance and withdrawal: Trauma can cause children to avoid situations or people that remind them of their traumatic experience, leading to social withdrawal and isolation.

6. Depression and anxiety: Trauma can also lead to depression and anxiety, which can cause children to withdraw from social activities and experience difficulty with day-to-day functioning.

Here are impacts of childhood trauma:

1. Mental health issues: Childhood trauma can increase the risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder.

2. Physical health issues: Childhood trauma can also increase the risk of developing physical health issues such as chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

3. Substance abuse: Childhood trauma can increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction, as some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the emotional pain caused by their trauma.

4. Social and relationship difficulties: Childhood trauma can also affect a person's ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, leading to difficulties with trust and intimacy.

5. Cognitive and emotional difficulties: Childhood trauma can affect a person's cognitive and emotional development, leading to difficulties with self-regulation, attention, and memory.

It is important to remember that childhood trauma can have lasting effects on a child's emotional and psychological well-being, and that early intervention and treatment can help mitigate these effects and promote healing and recovery. Remember, these negative behaviors are not the fault of the individual, but rather a result of the trauma they have experienced. If you or someone you know has experienced childhood trauma, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or counselor! You got this, I believe in you!