Childhood Trauma

What is childhood trauma?

Childhood trauma is when something scary, violent, dangerous, or life threatening happens to a child between the age of 0 to 18 years old. Childhood trauma can happen to any child, at any time. It is important to note that trauma doesn’t have to occur directly to the child, watching someone they love suffer can be considered a traumatic event.

Trauma Types:

• Bullying
• Physical Abuse
• Community Violence
• Complex Trauma
• Traumatic Grief
• Medical Trauma
• Disasters
• Domestic violence
• Early Childhood Trauma
• Refugee Trauma
• Sexual Abuse

Signs of childhood trauma:

• Problems with sleeping
• Problems with eating
• Problems with anger
• Problems with attention

The Effects of Childhood Trauma

Traumatic events can affect how a child’s brain develops, which can result in lifelong consequences.

How to Help

Proving support is very important. Encouraging the child to talk about their feelings and validating their emotions is crucial for the healing process. Reassure the child that you care and want to keep them safe.

If you or anyone you know may be struggling with Childhood Trauma and live in the Chicagoland area, feel free to call Olive Branch Counseling Associates at (708) 633-8000 and speak to a professional.

Yadira, Graduate Intern

References

Oseldman. (2018, May 25). Trauma Types. Retrieved from https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child

-trauma/trauma-types

Image: https://allisondavismaxon.com/the-lingering-effects-of-childhood-trauma/