Childhood Trauma & Neglect (and the damage it causes)

THE LASTING IMPACT

Childhood is supposed to be a time of growth, exploration, and learning. It is a time when children are supposed to feel safe, loved, and supported by the adults in their lives. Unfortunately, for many children, childhood is a time of trauma and neglect. According to the National Survey of Children's Health, nearly 1 in 4 children in the United States has experienced some form of trauma or neglect in their lifetime. Childhood trauma is often described as serious Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs, which have profound and lasting effects on a person's physical, emotional, and mental health.

The effects of adverse experiences during childhood can appear in various forms. One notable repercussion of such experiences is the potential impact on an individual's physical well-being. Adverse childhood experiences heighten the likelihood of various physical health complications, encompassing heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. This can be attributed, at least in part, to how trauma influences the body's stress response mechanism. When an individual undergoes a traumatic event, their stress response system becomes hyperactive, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over an extended period, this may result in persistent inflammation and other medical conditions.

Childhood trauma can also have a significant impact on mental health. Trauma can increase the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. Children who experience trauma may also have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, leading to social isolation and further mental health problems. Trauma can also impact cognitive functioning and academic achievement. Children who experience trauma may have difficulty focusing, learning, and remembering information, which can lead to academic struggles and difficulties in other areas of life.

Affective self-control can also be affected by ACEs. This refers to a person's ability to manage and govern their emotions. Children who experience trauma may have difficulty with self-soothing, emotional regulation, and attachment, which can lead to long-term difficulties with relationships and other aspects of life. Trauma during early childhood can also cause developmental delays and problems with disruptive outbursts. Children who experience trauma may have difficulty with attachment, control over emotions, and cognitive functioning, which can lead to long-term difficulties throughout their life.

Another potential outcome of adverse childhood experiences is the development of challenges related to conduct and actions, which arise as a result of neglect and trauma. Children who undergo such experiences might display behavioral difficulties, including aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Additionally, they may be prone to engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse or self-inflicted harm. These challenges in conduct can profoundly influence an individual's life, impacting their relationships, academic and professional achievements, and overall state of well-being.

The impact of childhood trauma and neglect can be devastating, but it is not inevitable. With the right support and treatment, individuals who have experienced trauma and neglect can heal and move forward in a healthy and positive way. Support groups, such as those offered by organizations like the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA), can provide a sense of community and validation for survivors. It is also one of the goals for the book I've written, using the processes offered within the chapters, show you the way through these dark and painful experiences. You may not have ever known that you really weren’t a “bad kid”, you just didn’t get a healthy world to “properly wire” your personality for success.

If you are unable to acquire a copy of my book, "Inner Pursuit of Happiness", I will share processes/techniques I wrote about for overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences in future blog posts. It is important for our society as a whole to recognize how addiction is predominately the manifestation of childhood trauma and neglect. There needs to be an increasing awareness of the impact this also has on homelessness, broken families, and the prevalence of crime. As a community, we should provide more resources and support for those who have been affected.