The Crisis
Childhood trauma is not merely a painful memory left behind; it is a shadow that looms over the lives of its survivors, infiltrating their adulthood and manifesting in profound mental, physical, social, and spiritual life-threatening struggles. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we must confront the harsh truth: this silent epidemic is not only diminishing individual well-being but is also a force greater than gravity pulling humanity into a downward cycle of suffering that affects families, communities, and society as a whole.
In The USA Alone
Worldwide
Have experienced childhood trauma
Have 4 or more ACEs and will die 20 years too early
Are a result of childhood trauma
Children ages 2-17 have experienced childhood trauma in the past year
Leading causes of death are associated with childhood trauma
Experience childhood trauma each year
The annual cost of treating individuals with ACEs including lost productivity
Have experienced childhood trauma
Sources: *CDC **WHO
Have experienced childhood trauma
Will attempt suicide for those suffering from childhood trauma
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood Trauma is when a child under the age of 17 experiences fear, emotional or physical pain, or their safety and well-being are threatened. Childhood Trauma is referred to as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) by the CDC, which includes physical or emotional neglect, physical and mental abuse, being raised in a home where the parents have addictions, mental illness, violence in the house, or have been incarcerated, or if the child has experienced separation from one or both parents. If a child experiences four or more ACEs by the age of 17, that child has experienced what experts call Complex Childhood Trauma.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are possible traumatic events that occur from birth through adolescence (zero to seventeen years of age.) ACEs came to fruition through a study by Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Robert Anda to identify negative critical conditions a child may experience and their lasting impacts. Dr. Felitti, the head of Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Preventive Medicine in San Diego, along with Dr. Anda, a researcher for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, set out to conduct a study between 1995-1997 with the hypothesis that childhood trauma is relational to poor physical and mental health in adults. Felitti and Anda collected survey data from 17,000 patients (gathered during their physical exams.) The adverse childhood experience survey included ten questions to identify traumas and neglect. The ACEs were identified as neglect, abuse (sexual, emotional, and physical), and household dysfunctions (including aspects such as parental divorce or separation due to incarceration, substance abuse and addiction, mental health problems, and witnessing violence.) The results of the study were shocking: there was a direct connection between a child experiencing ACEs and poor mental and physical well-being as an adult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the ACE study confirmed that 64% of adults had experienced at least one ACE before age eighteen. What is more alarming, is that almost one in six adults has an ACE score of four or more. It was the first time there was hard evidence that trauma may be directly linked to negative adult circumstances.
What happens when a child is exposed to trauma?
When a child is exposed to trauma, everything changes. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that childhood trauma changes the brain structure and development compromises the immune and hormonal systems, and even disrupts how our DNA is read and transcribed.
When a child experiences trauma, the mind and body go into survival mode (the stress response). The body is flooded with cortisol, adrenalin, and other hormones, and brain development changes.
When a child experiences childhood trauma, it can lead to a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical responses. Here are some common effects:
1. Emotional Distress:
Children may experience intense feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, or anger. They might struggle to manage these emotions, leading to mood swings or emotional outbursts.
2. Behavioral Changes:
Trauma can result in changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social interactions, increased aggression, or difficulty concentrating. Some children might engage in risky behaviors or show signs of regressive behavior, like bedwetting.
3. Attachment Issues:
Traumatized children may have difficulty forming secure attachments to caregivers or peers. They might struggle with trust and fear of abandonment, impacting their relationships throughout life.
4. Cognitive Effects:
Trauma can impair a child's ability to think clearly and problem-solve. They may have trouble with memory and learning, leading to academic challenges.
5. Physical Symptoms:
The stress from trauma can manifest physically, causing headaches, stomachaches, or other ailments. Some children may also develop sleep disturbances, such as nightmares or insomnia.
6. Long-term Consequences:
If not addressed, childhood trauma can lead to lasting effects into adulthood, including mental and metabolic health issues like depression and anxiety, difficulties in relationships, and increased risk of substance abuse.
Understanding these effects is crucial for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals to help support and heal children who have experienced trauma.
There is now clear scientific evidence that there are measurable differences in the brain of a child who has been exposed to adverse experiences, including the Nucleus Acumens, the pleasure and reward center implicated in substance abuse. The Prefrontal Cortex is responsible for impulse control and executive function, impairing the ability to make decisions and learn. The amygdala controls the brain’s response to fear, leading to high-risk behaviors.
Carrying an ACE score of four or more puts you at a higher risk for long-lasting mental and physical health concerns like depression, anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, drug abuse, suicidality, risky sexual behaviors, struggles with finances, job security, and maintaining relationships (just to name a few). The saddest piece of information: the effects can be passed down to our children, which only continues the cycle of generational trauma.
What destruction is caused by childhood trauma?
Childhood trauma can lead to disintegration in various domains of a child’s life, often affecting their overall well-being and functioning. Here’s a breakdown of the disintegration across the four categories: mental, physical, social, and spiritual.
Mental
Disintegration
Cognitive Disturbances:
Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and impaired decision-making.
Emotional Regulation Issues:
Inability to manage emotions effectively, resulting in anxiety, depression, or anger.
Trauma-Related Disorder:
Development of mental health issues such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety disorders, and depression.
Negative Self-Perception:
Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and negative self-talk.
Increased likelihood of suicide
Physical Disintegration
Health Problems:
Increased risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
Sleep Disturbances:
Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep-related issues can affect overall health.
Somatic Symptoms:
Physical manifestations of trauma, such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic pain without a medical cause.
Difficulties with Motor Skills:
Coordination and fine motor skills may affect physical development and activity participation.
Social
Disintegration
Relationship Difficulties:
Trust issues and attachment problems make forming and maintaining healthy relationships challenging.
Social Withdrawal:
Isolation from peers and reluctance to participate in social activities lead to loneliness.
Behavioral Issues:
There is an increased risk of aggression or oppositional behavior, which can lead to conflicts with peers and authority figures.
Incarceration:
95% of incarcerated men have experienced childhood trauma
Spiritual Disintegration
Loss of Faith or Trust:
Disconnection from spiritual beliefs or a sense of betrayal if trauma is linked to a caregiver or trusted figure.
Existential Questions:
Struggles with meaning, purpose, and understanding of life events, potentially leading to existential crises.
Disconnection from Values:
Difficulty aligning with personal or cultural values due to trauma experiences.
Loss of Hope:
A decreased sense of hope for the future affects motivation and the drive to engage in life positively.