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Childhood should be a time of joy and wonder. A time where you explore the world and learn new things. However, for many children, traumatic events can overshadow the beauty of childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a survey of more than 144,000 adults found that about 60% of Americans experience one adverse experience during their childhood. In this blog, you will be taking a look at what childhood trauma is. As well as its effects, as noted by the CDC and the National Traumatic Stress Network.

What is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma is an event. This event is often scary, dangerous, or violent. These events are physically or emotionally harmful. They also can be life-threatening. This can include the following: 

  • Abuse: This can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
  • Neglect: This ranges from a lack of care, love, and/or support.
  • Household Issues: Exposing your child to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness within the home.
  • Violent Community: Witnessing violence in school or surrounding community.
  • Natural Disasters: Experiencing events like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.
  • Accidents: This can be car accidents or anything that can cause injury. Whether you witness it or it happened to you directly.

Recognize the Signs

Children may not always have the words to talk about what they are feeling. That is why it is key for you to know the signs of trauma. Symptoms can be different for everyone. They can vary based on your child's age. Along with personality and the nature of the trauma. The following are common indicators: 

  • Emotional: These can be different emotions. Emotions like anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt. Your child can seem overly emotional. As well as emotionally detached or numb.
  • Physical: These symptoms can come in the physical sense. They can be headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue. These can manifest without a clear medical cause.
  • Cognitive: Children with trauma can have a hard time concentrating. As well as have memory problems. You also may see a decline in their school work.

Trauma’s Impact on Development

Trauma can greatly affect your child's development. It can mess with their ability to form healthy connections. As well as regulate their feelings and have a positive self-image. Traumatized children may struggle with trust. They can feel a constant sense of fear or helplessness and may have difficulty managing their emotions. In addition to their behaviors. Over time, untreated trauma can lead to more severe mental health issues. These issues can be depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Support a Traumatized Child

You can support your child who has experienced trauma. This involves creating a safe and nurturing environment. Here are some ways to help:

  • Listen: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences. Listen without judgment. Also, be sure to validate their emotions. Let them know it is okay to feel scared, angry, or sad.
  • Consistency: Children feel safer with routines. Make consistent schedules. Do this for meals, bedtime, and other daily activities to give stability.
  • Be Patient and Understanding: Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient with your child's progress. Reassure them as they figure out their emotions.
  • Model Healthy Coping: Show your child healthy ways to cope. Do this with stress. You can show them deep breathing, mindfulness, or exercise.
  • Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking help from a Mental Health provider. Look for one who is experienced in working with children. 

Visit Clinicas

Trauma can have bad effects on your kids. Due to its negative effect be sure to be understanding, supportive, and patient. That way they can heal and thrive. Create a safe and supportive home for them. Also, remember the signs of trauma and seek professional help when needed. That way you can help your child navigate the path to recovery. Remember, healing from trauma is a journey. Give your child the love and support they need to make this journey. If you believe your child may benefit from professional Mental Health Services, don't hesitate to visit Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. Clinicas has experienced professionals. Each of them is ready to give the support and guidance your child needs. That way they can heal and thrive. 

               

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Childhood should be a time of joy and wonder. A time where you explore the world and learn new things. However, for many children, traumatic events can overshadow the beauty of childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a survey of more than 144,000 adults found that about 60% of Americans experience one adverse experience during their childhood. In this blog, you will be taking a look at what childhood trauma is. As well as its effects, as noted by the CDC and the National Traumatic Stress Network.

What is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma is an event. This event is often scary, dangerous, or violent. These events are physically or emotionally harmful. They also can be life-threatening. This can include the following: 

  • Abuse: This can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
  • Neglect: This ranges from a lack of care, love, and/or support.
  • Household Issues: Exposing your child to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness within the home.
  • Violent Community: Witnessing violence in school or surrounding community.
  • Natural Disasters: Experiencing events like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.
  • Accidents: This can be car accidents or anything that can cause injury. Whether you witness it or it happened to you directly.

Recognize the Signs

Children may not always have the words to talk about what they are feeling. That is why it is key for you to know the signs of trauma. Symptoms can be different for everyone. They can vary based on your child's age. Along with personality and the nature of the trauma. The following are common indicators: 

  • Emotional: These can be different emotions. Emotions like anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt. Your child can seem overly emotional. As well as emotionally detached or numb.
  • Physical: These symptoms can come in the physical sense. They can be headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue. These can manifest without a clear medical cause.
  • Cognitive: Children with trauma can have a hard time concentrating. As well as have memory problems. You also may see a decline in their school work.

Trauma’s Impact on Development

Trauma can greatly affect your child's development. It can mess with their ability to form healthy connections. As well as regulate their feelings and have a positive self-image. Traumatized children may struggle with trust. They can feel a constant sense of fear or helplessness and may have difficulty managing their emotions. In addition to their behaviors. Over time, untreated trauma can lead to more severe mental health issues. These issues can be depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Support a Traumatized Child

You can support your child who has experienced trauma. This involves creating a safe and nurturing environment. Here are some ways to help:

  • Listen: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences. Listen without judgment. Also, be sure to validate their emotions. Let them know it is okay to feel scared, angry, or sad.
  • Consistency: Children feel safer with routines. Make consistent schedules. Do this for meals, bedtime, and other daily activities to give stability.
  • Be Patient and Understanding: Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient with your child's progress. Reassure them as they figure out their emotions.
  • Model Healthy Coping: Show your child healthy ways to cope. Do this with stress. You can show them deep breathing, mindfulness, or exercise.
  • Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking help from a Mental Health provider. Look for one who is experienced in working with children. 

Visit Clinicas

Trauma can have bad effects on your kids. Due to its negative effect be sure to be understanding, supportive, and patient. That way they can heal and thrive. Create a safe and supportive home for them. Also, remember the signs of trauma and seek professional help when needed. That way you can help your child navigate the path to recovery. Remember, healing from trauma is a journey. Give your child the love and support they need to make this journey. If you believe your child may benefit from professional Mental Health Services, don't hesitate to visit Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. Clinicas has experienced professionals. Each of them is ready to give the support and guidance your child needs. That way they can heal and thrive.