The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma: Understanding the Impact on Mental Health

Noticing the signs of trauma is the first step to recovery. Long-term effects of childhood trauma have a lasting impact on mental health and physical development. Childhood trauma occurs more often than we realize. In fact, approximately two-thirds of children experience trauma before the age of 16. Whether it’s abuse, neglect, emotional distress, or other forms of trauma, it can have long-term effects on mental health.

The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health

It’s important to understand that not all traumatic events will leave visible scars. In truth, most traumatic incidents in childhood leave psychological or emotional effects.  These issues can have long-term impact into adulthood. The good news is that children who deal with traumatic events can recover with help. 

Children can deal with the effects of past trauma through adulthood. Although every situation and every child is unique, some common effects on mental health include the following:

• Depression and anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Substance abuse issues

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Psychosis 

The mental effects of childhood trauma can vary depending on the severity of the issue and how the child deals with the traumatic event. Because they are trying to process their feelings, many children experience anger or sleeplessness. Children often suppress their emotions, resulting in mental health problems. 

Trauma-Specific Symptoms and Behaviors

Trauma-specific symptoms and behaviors can take many forms depending on a variety of factors. Age, gender, and severity significantly affect trauma behaviors and symptoms. Some common symptoms and behaviors include:

• Aggressive behavior

• Eating disturbance

• Developmental regression

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Depression

• Social issues

Every child is different, and each will exhibit individual symptoms and behaviors. Common issues include social isolation and interpersonal difficulty. Children try to sort out the events with how they feel about them, which can lead to developmental problems and affect mental health. 

The Role of Resilience and Protective Factors

Knowing and understanding protective factors and how to handle traumatic experiences can help prevent future issues, and help children recover. Protective factors include helping children to cope with their feelings in a healthy manner. Using these protective factors can help children feel safe in their communities and reduce the long-term effects on mental health:

• Making social connections

• Locating parental support

• Social and emotional competence of children 

• Learning about nurturing and attachment of children

• Parental resilience 

• Childhood and youth development

Your role of resilience and protective factors can help prevent further trauma or abuse in children. As an adult, coping with stress and bouncing back when things get tough is easier. However, children do not necessarily have this ability. Learning to maintain parental resilience within protective factors for your child can lay a strong foundation for healing. 

Addressing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can have lasting effects in adulthood. Trauma can lead to physical and mental health issues that are tough to deal with later in life. However, seeking professional help for trauma can help you talk through the traumatic events and work toward healing. Clinical modalities that work with your specific needs can help you cope with the issues and get your life back on track. 

Calm Again Counseling Can Help

Our professional team is ready to help you in Oakland, California, and the nearby areas. Reach out to us today to book an appointment and work toward healing.