—What is Childhood Trauma?

It is all everyone is talking about! Childhood Trauma.  So, what is it?

Trauma is a response following an event that overwhelmed you; an event that you experience as life-threatening or harmful. Childhood trauma is just that, but happens in childhood. Despite what people may think, trauma is common. According to research, up to 70% of the population has experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. One of the most common causes of childhood trauma is a chaotic or dysfunctional household. This can include mental health struggles, substance use, and domestic violence. Unfortunately, it’s often hard for us to recognize that these experiences are unhealthy and outside the norm. I was in my mid-twenties before I began to recognize how I was affected by the events of my childhood and a decade later, I am still peeling back layers. 

Why does it seem like everyone is pulling the childhood trauma card? According to the CDC, a whopping 63.9% of adults reported having at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). With females and several racial/ethnic minorities at greater risk of experiencing 4 or more ACEs.  Adverse childhood experiences are events during childhood that were potentially traumatic. These events can include abuse, growing up in an addicted household, and community violence. Trauma to this degree can create stress within the body to the extent of changing brain development and overall stress response. ACEs have been tied to heavy substance use, mental and physical illness across the lifespan. 

Examples of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)

• Divorce 

• Emotional Abuse 

• Mental Illness in Parent/Caregiver 

• Substance/Alcohol Abuse by Parent/Caregiver 

• Neglect 

Trauma during childhood can cause major deficits in adulthood. Children from dysfunctional homes may have acted well beyond their age when growing up. They may have been referenced as an “old soul” or they seemed “older” than they were. Then they enter adulthood, look around and wonder, “when will I feel like an adult?” All the “maturity” they once felt falls away. They feel lost and like they have no control.  

These deficits look like the inability to keep relationships, hold a job, money trouble, and neglecting personal health. They can interfere with every aspect of life. What may seem obvious to those on the outside, is hidden to us. This is our “normal,” it is all we know. Until we learn more, the cycle of abuse and neglect from childhood continues to play out in adulthood. 

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Signs of Childhood Trauma 

Adults  

• “Unexplained” Anger 

• Anxiety 

• Poor Self-Esteem 

• Substance Misuse 

Adults from traumatic childhoods may experience emotional outbursts, depression, and feelings of emptiness and being unfulfilled. They may feel broken or as if something is wrong with them. And aside from mental effects, there may be physical ailments. They may get sick often or be diagnosed with chronic health conditions; born from the stress they experienced.  

Pre-School 

• Frequent crying/screaming 

• Weight loss/Poor appetite 

• Fear of separation from caregiver 

• Nightmares 

Pre-school aged children may show signs of trauma through developmental and relational behaviors. They may struggle with communication or have delays in speech development. Aggression may be observed, directed at themselves or others.  

 Elementary School 

• Feelings of guilt/shame 

• Trouble Concentrating 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Feelings of anxiety/fear 

Children of elementary school age may show aggression like their pre-school counterparts, but they may also complain of physical ailments without direct cause, such as stomach and headaches. They may also begin to express the event through art, like drawing or writing.  

Middle and High School 

• Self-Harm (cutting, eating disorders, burning etc.) 

• Depression 

• Risky Sexual Behavior 

• Substance Abuse 

Adolescents in middle and high school may isolate themselves by withdrawing from others and avoiding social activities. They may struggle in their friendships due to angry outbursts and irritability. Decreased concentration or attention in school and at home are often noted. 

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Final Thoughts 

Complete elimination of traumatic events during childhood would be great, but that is unrealistic. Such as a magic pill to heal our inner wounds would be great, it is not going to happen. Despite this, there is always room for improvement. No matter what mile you are on.  

It is about progress, not perfection. And there are many resources available to aid in the journey forward. You can find more information about ACE’s here. If you find yourself struggling with everyday adult tasks, check THIS out. If you are struggling with substance use or mental health issues, please reach out to the SAMHSA team here. You’re worthy of a life. <3