The Effects of Trauma from Childhood Through Adulthood

“Children are resilient. They learn to adapt quickly.” We have all heard statements like this about trauma in early childhood. But seldom do we hear about how the effects of trauma follow a child from the early years through adulthood. Unresolved trauma can lead to physical, emotional, and cognitive issues later.

The Effects of Trauma on Children

Physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect, natural disasters, eviction, divorce, domestic violence, and death can traumatize a child to the point that it follows them into adulthood. The effects of trauma can manifest as physical, emotional, or cognitive issues. Exposure to trauma and chronic stress can leave a child feeling unsafe, on guard, and unable to trust others.

The following are several effects of trauma commonly seen in children.

Anxiety and depression Children may seem anxious or jittery. They may worry about being separated from a parent or legal guardian. They may experience persistent sadness, sleeping more, or giving in to fatigue. Children may become quieter and sit alone away from their friends. In severe cases, intrusive thoughts from depression can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Phobias and fear Children can develop phobias and fears due to trauma. They may experience nightmares and night terrors. For example, children who have lived through natural disasters, such as tornadoes or flooding, may be terrified by the sound of a storm, strong winds, or rain.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also referred to as PTSD, occurs after either an isolating incident that led to trauma or ongoing chronic stress and repeated traumas.

For example, a child with a terminally ill parent who rang a bell when they needed something may develop signs of PTSD when they hear a bell or feel on edge all the time, as if waiting for the bell to ring. Children who have an alcoholic parent may become triggered when they smell alcohol or hear a door slam. Triggers are personalized to each child and their trauma.

Withdrawing and isolating Children who experience trauma may withdraw from their friends and family. They may isolate themselves in their room, at a table in the lunchroom, or in the far corner of the playground at recess. They may refuse to join others for games or to share toys.

They may feel as if they have no one to talk to about their trauma, that they must keep it a secret, or that they feel ashamed or guilty. Withdrawing can also be a sign of depression.

Aggression or physical violence Children with a history of trauma may take out their pain on others. They may not be able to articulate their hurt or betrayal, but it manifests as aggressiveness or physical violence, often toward siblings or classmates. Some children may also develop problems with authority figures.

Impulsiveness Trauma affects brain function and cognitive skills. Children can be impulsive and engage in risky behaviors that put themselves and others at risk. They may say or do things without thinking of the consequences. They might also break the law by shoplifting or abusing drugs to numb their pain.

Trouble regulating emotions Trauma affects the amygdala and the hippocampus, brain structures responsible for emotional processing, decision making, and memory processing. These changes can worsen flashbacks and traumatic memories. It can also make it challenging to process short-term memories into long-term memories or to stay present, reverting to the past and the memories associated with the trauma.

Problems sleeping Trauma and the resulting stress activate the fight-or-flight response, the natural response to danger. Unfortunately, instead of escaping danger in the short term, the body and mind remain in a constant state of stress, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or rest. Sleep might be interrupted by insomnia, nightmares, or night terrors.

Low self-esteem The words or behaviors by an adult, whether a parent, guardian, or someone else, can become the inner monologue to a child. These negative thoughts shape their perspective on themselves and the world around them. They develop low self-esteem, poor self-confidence, and lose their sense of self-worth.

Negative body image Negative body image is often a result of poor self-esteem and self-worth. This can lead to eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, which can be fatal if left untreated. Body dysmorphia can also develop, leading to extreme surgeries or treatment of the body.

These effects of trauma can move into adulthood, causing issues throughout life.

How Childhood Trauma Can Affect Adults

Unresolved trauma and the resulting unprocessed emotions can sabotage future relationships, careers, and mental and physical health. It can also create a generational behavior. Some people repeat the behavior they hate toward their own spouses and children. To break this generational cycle, reach out for help from a mental health practitioner.

The following are several effects of trauma stemming from childhood that affect adults.

Relationship problem Fear of abandonment or neglect can trigger relationship problems and self-sabotage. On the other hand, children who have a parent or guardian who abused them are at a higher risk of repeating the behavior with their own children. Adults may leave a relationship quickly or avoid commitment out of fear of repeating their childhood trauma or hurting others.

Substance abuse To numb the pain from trauma, adults may turn to alcohol or drug abuse. Although these substances may provide temporary relief, they can lead to addiction, relationship issues, work problems, and physical conditions.

Risky behaviors Due to impulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts, adults with childhood trauma may engage in risky behaviors such as driving too fast, shoplifting, embezzling, unprotected sex, or extramarital affairs. They may get into fights more often or participate in dangerous sports and activities for the adrenaline rush.

PTSD, anxiety, and depression As children grow into adults, the underlying trauma may manifest into mental conditions, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The symptoms may become more severe if the trauma is left unresolved. These mental conditions will affect your life at home and work. They can also lead to eating disorders, poor body image, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Issues stemming from unprocessed emotions Unprocessed emotions do not just stay in the mind. They can manifest into physical problems. High blood pressure, heart palpitations, and panic attacks are common. Long-term stress from unresolved trauma can lead to heart disease, obesity, autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, and unexplained aches and pains.

Startle response, hypervigilance, and fear Chronic stress changes the function of the brain structures responsible for the startle response. As an adult with unresolved trauma, you may startle easily and more violently. You may be waiting for “the other shoe to fall,” which keeps you hypervigilant and on edge. You may experience feelings of fear, dread, and worry.

The good news is that it is never too late to seek treatment for the effects of trauma. Your thoughts and behaviors can change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify negative thoughts and emotions, change them, shift perspective, and alter the resulting behavior.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help you move through the traumatic memories while changing the emotions attached. This treatment is effective and typically works in a few sessions. Combining CBT and EMDR may help you process emotions and be able to view the trauma from a distance, so that you can move forward with your life and heal.

A counselor can assist you with the treatments appropriate for your situation.

Christian Counseling as Treatment for the Effects of Trauma

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of trauma, whether from childhood or more recently, help is available. Christian counseling combines psychological methods with faith-based principles to help you overcome mental health issues and draw you closer to the Great Physician.

Contact our Christian counseling center to speak to a representative who will match you with a counselor to meet your needs. Give us a call today to get started.