The Effects of childhood trauma on Adults' mental health

How childhood experience of a person can alter the mental health of their adulthood

Childhood is stated as a crucial period for the development of mental health. It is noted that things that occurred during this time can have an ongoing impact on an individual's mental health. Healthy emotional and cognitive development can be promoted by positive experiences like being loved, supported, and nurtured, whereas negative experiences like abuse, neglect, or trauma exposure can have detrimental effects. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can interfere with brain development and raise the likelihood of mental health conditions like PTSD, sadness, and anxiety. In addition, the level of social support a kid has, the parenting they receive, and the nature of their relationship with their primary caregivers can all impact their mental health outcomes by encouraging pleasant childhood experiences and taking quick action when something bad happens.

Childhood is a period of fast brain development, and traumatic events can significantly impact the growing brain. ACEs have been connected to various detrimental health consequences, such as early death, physical difficulties, and mental health problems. And as a result, Adults' mental health can be significantly impacted by their childhood experiences.

Here are a few ways that childhood can have an impact on adults:

1. Emotional Health: Childhood experiences have the power to influence the emotions of that person as an adult. It could be negative experiences like "being neglected" or "being abused", which may result in emotional troubles in adulthood. On the other hand, positive experiences like "feeling loved and supported" could promote healthy emotional development in a person.

2. Relationships: How adults establish and maintain relationships is also highly influenced by their early experiences. E.g., Positive life events, like developing strong attachments with caregivers, can pave the way for gratifying relationships as an adult. In contrast, Adults may have more difficulty establishing healthy connections due to adverse events like neglect or abuse.

3. Self-esteem: An adult's self-esteem and confidence might also affect their childhood experiences. Healthy self-esteem can result from positive experiences like praise and encouragement. Low self-esteem and a bad self-image can result from negative experiences like criticism or rejection.

4. Mental health: Childhood events might leave an adult with mental health problems. Conditions including anxiety, sadness, and PTSD can result from traumatic or abusive situations. Positive emotions like love and support can serve as a barrier against mental health issues.

5. Conduct: An adult's conduct and coping skills might be influenced by their early experiences. Unhealthy coping methods, such as substance misuse or self-harm, can result from negative events like abuse or neglect. However, Positive life experiences, such as acquiring appropriate coping mechanisms, can influence behaviour as an adult.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Childhood trauma is the experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or stressful, often resulting in lasting mental and physical effects. Furthermore, a person's views and attitudes about themselves and their place in the world can be influenced by their early experiences, affecting their mental health as an adult. For instance, if a child goes through a lot of stress or trauma, they could grow up with a negative view of themselves and the world, which can cause them to feel hopeless and helpless and have low self-esteem as adults. In contrast, if a child grows up in a happy, encouraging environment, they might have a better outlook on life and a stronger sense of self-worth, making them more resilient and having better mental health outcomes.

Childhood traumatic experience affects the development of an adult; when unaddressed, it outlives the day of the traumatic experience and affects the quality and length of the adult.

Children do not process information through the lens of education, socialization, and life experiences as adults do. Often, they blame themselves because they have no other point of reference for why these events occur.

Research has shown that the younger the age of traumatization, the more significant the damage to the brain. Most of the time, the way children are raised and the sense of security it creates impact their emotional and physical well-being when they grow up.

lead

Childhood trauma can take the following forms

• Physical and sexual abuse

• Witnessing a traumatic event

• Having a severe illness requiring surgery and hospitalization

• Witnessing domestic violence

• Experiencing intense bullying

• Even extreme situations like refugee trauma and natural disaster

Effects of childhood trauma in adults include,

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOM

• Anger

• Unresponsiveness

• Anxiety

• Emotional outbursts

• Depression

• Panic attacks

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Poor concentration

• Shakiness

• Night terror

• Lack of energy

• Physical illness

• Sleep disturbances

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

• Compulsion

• Eating disorders

• Impulsiveness

• Isolation

• Numbness or Callousness

• General disorientation

It is worth noting that not every individual who experiences childhood trauma will develop mental health disorders or relationship difficulties. Factors such as genetics, resilience, and access to appropriate support and treatment can impact an individual's ability to cope with traumatic experiences. Nonetheless, for individuals who experience negative mental health effects, seeking therapy, support from loved ones, and engaging in self-care practices can significantly improve their quality of life.

Written By:

Grace Ogbonnaya