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When one experiences childhood trauma, it can stunt development, impact daily functioning, and even lead to long-term health consequences such as chronic disease.
Fortunately, as research around the impact of trauma grows, more therapies are available than ever to process distress and heal symptoms of trauma.
Understand what childhood trauma is, how it can affect your health, and ways to recover.
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma is when one experiences a traumatic event or ongoing trauma in childhood. It is an emotional response to a distressing event or frightening experience. Kids who experience trauma are often put in dangerous, violent, or threatening situations that put their bodies into fight or flight mode. Some experiences that can cause childhood trauma include:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Community violence
- Instability in the home
- Neglect from parents or primary caregivers
- Natural disasters
- School shootings
- Discrimination
- Grief or loss of a parent
- Medical injury or chronic illness
Recognize Signs
The signs of childhood trauma can be sneaky. Symptoms can manifest as physical health challenges and other mental health disorders. Some of the signs of childhood trauma include:
Physical
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or other gastrointestinal issues
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Change in sleep/appetite
- Dizziness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Increased risk of chronic health issues (diabetes, cancer, auto-immune diseases)
Emotional
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional numbness or apathy
- Lack of focus
- Memory loss
- Drastic mood swings
Behavioral
- Isolation
- Aggression or violent outbursts
- Impulsiveness or recklessness
- Decline in school or work
- Avoidance
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm
Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma
When trauma goes unresolved, and multiple symptoms are present for at least a month, it is considered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The criteria for PTSD include:
- At least one re-experiencing symptom
- At least one avoidance symptom
- At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms
Childhood trauma can also wreak havoc on other aspects of our mental and physical health. It can strain relationships, impact functioning in school or work, and even lead to substance abuse. According to research, over 75% of users who struggle with substance abuse have experienced trauma.
Although most think of trauma as a mental health problem, it increases activity in the nervous system and stress responses in the body. This can heighten inflammation levels, lower protection in the immune system, and even increase the risk of cancer.
Does Childhood Trauma Ever Go Away?
Trauma during childhood is part of one’s life experiences and doesn’t just “go away.” However, with trauma therapy and ongoing support, one can recover and live a life free of symptoms.
The goals of trauma treatment aren’t to “make it go away” or “pretend like it never happened” but rather to recognize triggers, process the experience, develop resilience, and build positive coping strategies.
Healing Childhood Trauma
Several therapies exist that are designed specifically for the treatment of trauma. These focus on helping clients access deep parts of the brain where trauma memories are stored. Some of the main goals of trauma therapies include:
- Recognize triggers
- Regulate emotions
- Develop a plan for times of crisis
- Positive coping skills
- Building resilience
Trauma therapy is highly individualized, with therapists acknowledging that each person has their own unique experiences. What may work for one might not benefit another. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating trauma. However, some of the most common forms of trauma therapy include:
| EMDR | Bilateral stimulation of the brain through visual cures to process emotional distress related to trauma. Uses memory recall and rapid eye movements to desensitize stress responses around the trauma memory. |
| TF- CBT | Break negative thinking patterns such as shame or guilt associated with trauma. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to cope with symptoms and decrease stress. |
| Accelerated Resolution Therapy | Similar to EMDR but uses visualization rather than memory recall. Also focuses on replacing the trauma memory with a positive one. |
| DBT | Focuses on five main skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, relationship building, and breaking black-or-white thinking. |
What to Look For in Trauma Therapy
Sometimes, finding the right treatment for trauma can take trial and error. It’s important for patients to connect with their therapist to develop a sense of trust and safety. It can feel overwhelming when looking for an effective trauma treatment program. Here are a few things to look for:
- Psychoeducation: Do they teach you the impact of trauma on the brain and body?
- Client-focused: Does your therapist help to identify your individual needs and goals?
- Resilience building: Is there a focus on building coping skills and crisis plans to help with future stressors or triggers?
- Individual needs: Some trauma programs are individualized for certain demographics, such as the LGBTQ community, people of color, or those who struggle with co-occurring substance abuse problems.
Trauma-Informed Therapies at Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness
It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you have experienced trauma and are struggling to function. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and trauma-focused CBT.
Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk of Cancer in Adulthood: A Systematic Review of the Literature. 2016. National Library of Medicine.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 2023. National Institute of Mental Health.
Childhood trauma among individuals with co-morbid substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder. 2011. National Library of Medicine.
Childhood Trauma and Chronic Illness in Adulthood: Mental Health and Socioeconomic Status as Explanatory Factors and Buffers. 2011. National Library of Medicine.
