What is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma is not always something you just get over as you grow up. Repeated instances of stress, abuse, neglect, and many other issues have real, tangible effects on the development of one’s brain. Experiencing severe trauma increases one’s chances of developing many illnesses and having poor health outcomes later on in life. Resilience is a highly positive form of preventing and reducing the impact of childhood trauma.

Childhood Trauma Examples

The Northwestern School of Medicine defines childhood trauma as “a scary, dangerous, violent, or life-threatening event that happens to a child (0-18 years of age). This event may also happen to someone your child knows, which can impact your child. When these experiences happen, your child may become overwhelmed, upset, and helpless. These experiences can happen to anyone at any time and age; however, not all events have a traumatic impact.

A report revealed that those who experience these repeated traumatic events have a higher risk of dying from five of the top 10 leading causes of death. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists childhood trauma, also referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), as a pressing public health issue in the 21st century.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs are significant childhood traumas, as identified below, resulting in actual changes in brain development. These changes may affect a child’s learning ability and social skills and result in long-term health problems. Adverse Childhood Experiences can include:

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional neglect
• Physical neglect
• Mother treated violently
• Household substance abuse
• Household mental illness
• Parental separation or divorce
• Incarcerated household member
• Bullying (by another child or adult)
• Witnessing violence outside the home
• Witness a brother or sister being abused
• Racism, sexism, or any other form of discrimination
• Being homeless
• Natural disasters and war