Unfortunately, it is all too common.
An estimated 46% of children experience trauma at some point in their young lives.
While kids areresilient, theyre not made of stone.
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However, it is important to recognize thatchildhood traumacan have a lifelong effect.
Early intervention can also prevent the ongoing effects of the trauma into adulthood.
What Is Considered a Childhood Trauma?
Physical orsexual abuse, for example, can be traumatic for children.
Childhood trauma doesnt even have to involve experiences that occur directly to the child.
Watching a loved one endure a major health issue, for instance, can be extremely traumatic for children.
Violent media can have this effect, too.
Just because an experience is upsetting doesnt make it traumatic.
Parentaldivorce, for example, will likely affect a child but it isnt necessarily traumatizing.
They might alsoavoid anything that reminds themof the trauma or re-enact the trauma in their play.
Sometimes children believe that they missed warning signs predicting the traumatic event.
Mental Health Impacts
Childhood trauma can also have an impact on mental health.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
This lesson makes it incredibly difficult to form relationships throughout their childhood andadulthood.
Children who experience trauma are also likely to struggle with romantic relationships in adulthood.
Renteria notes that the lasting effects of trauma often depend on the nature and severity of the event.
How Do You Release Your Own Childhood Trauma?
Among them are:
Focus on developing predictable, nurturing, and safe environments.
The best way to counteract trauma is building an internal sense of safety.
Talking to a mental health professional can also help you start to heal.
You may also want to reach out to reputable organizations able to help childhood trauma survivors.
TheDisaster Distress Helplineoffered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is one option.
If you prefer to communicate via text, theCrisis Text Lineis another.
If childhood trauma has created negative effects, it is never too late to get help.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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