According to the American Psychological Association, “A traumatic event is one that threatens injury, death, or the physical integrity of self or others and also causes horror, terror, or helplessness at the time it occurs.
The National Institute of Mental Health (USA) defines childhood trauma as “The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.”
Developmental trauma is more common than one may think and can easily lead to problems later on in adulthood.
Distorted perceptions of perpetrators of abuse, difficulties in relationships, low self-esteem, and a weak outlook on life are all known factors in adulthood that occur from childhood trauma. Whether the trauma was physical abuse, emotional abuse such as neglect, or verbal abuse, the long-term effects of childhood trauma especially if left untreated, can wreak much havoc in adulthood.
Some examples of adverse childhood experiences and stressful experiences that can lead to long-term effects in adulthood.
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Emotional neglect
Witnessing domestic violence
Parental separation or divorce
Mental illness within the household and lots of other ugly experiences.
Childhood trauma has been strongly linked to depression, substance use disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health disorders that are present in adulthood. Individuals who were abused in childhood and who did not seek the proper treatment are more likely to struggle with conflict resolutions and have poor stress management skills in adulthood. As a result, they are more likely to use food, drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with any underlying internal conflicts and to also deal with any depression or anxiety that may have developed from their past trauma. Also, it is common for adults who experienced trauma in childhood to be attractive to unhealthy individuals, emotionally unavailable people or abusive people as these individuals fit their trauma identity, which can often lead to a new cycle of trauma and past abusive memories and feelings. Many of these individuals are aware of their past and know what they need and want, they still choose to connect with others that can lead them down the wrong path due to their unconscious influences from their childhood.
Often, traumatic feelings are familiar, and many will choose abusive relationships, regardless if they are aware that these are not the right choices. Individuals who had a traumatic childhood will often not be able to remember large portions of these years.
This is known as blocking, a common defense mechanism that occurs when individuals do not recognize or cannot accept past events or reality as a way to avoid painful feelings or memories, they may remember vivid memories or events without any context and, as a result, may feel as though their childhood was stolen, which can lead to problems with self-identity in adulthood. The loss of childhood memories can lead to identity and self-esteem problems in adulthood. As a result of this, many adults may avoid closeness with others and prefer to isolate themselves, which can rob them of healthy interpersonal relationships and communication skills, missing out on social interactions, intimate relationships, communication skills, and conflict resolution skills can impair development later on in life and can lead to feelings of unworthiness and self-condemnation. This is different from having an introverted personality as introverts refuel their energy stores when being alone but still seek social interaction and intimate relationships.
Childhood trauma, whether it was intentional or unintentional, can have lasting effects on every aspect of adulthood.
TREATMENT
It would be advisable for individuals to undergo therapy in adolescence.
Seeking professional treatment in adulthood can help prevent some of these long-term adverse effects.
If you are struggling with the after-effects of trauma, it is essential to know that you are not alone and you must understand that there is a valid reason for what you are currently experiencing. Most importantly, acknowledging that you are a victim and taking control of your life is the first step in seeking treatment for your past trauma which is more like having insight. Seeking therapy and guidance from a mental health professional can help you work through your current emotions and help you adopt healthy coping skills to navigate through.
Don't let your ugly childhood experience eat you up and distroy your beautiful bright future reach out for help there is always a shoulder to lean on and parents always observe your children and understand them avoid ugly events that can cause them to tear apart.
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