Childhood trauma typically involves physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect. Childhood trauma is more common than you might think. SAMHSA states that more than two-thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Read on to learn more about childhood trauma, its effects on adults and whether it ever goes away.

What Is Childhood Trauma and How Does it Affect Adults?

Childhood trauma is usually the result of deficient primary home care with inconsistent safety, comfort and protection and risky community environments. The stressful trauma events such children are subjected to, when the impact is continued to adulthood, are known as Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). The following are impacts that childhood trauma may take [1]:

Attachment:

When primary caregivers exploit and abuse a child, the child learns that he or she is bad and the world is a terrible place. Most abused or neglected children have difficulty developing a strong healthy attachment to a caregiver. As a result, children who have suffered ACEs may have problems in romantic relationships, in friendships and with authority figures such as teachers and the police.  

Physical:

Children with trauma may develop recurrent or chronic physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches. Adults with trauma histories have more chronic physical conditions and problems.

Emotional:

Children with trauma often have difficulty identifying, expressing and managing emotions. They may have limited language to describe their feelings.

Brain:

Research with neuroimaging studies shows that childhood trauma could lead to detrimental alterations in brain regions that might imply changes to:

• Reward processing
• Emotional stimulation
• Cognitive regulation
• Executive function

Mental Health:

Children who have experienced ACEs typically have greater vulnerability for developing mental disorders later in life, including [2] [3]:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Stress, anxiety,
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Substance abuse
• Emotional immaturity
• Antisocial behavior
• Inability to deal with conflict or confrontation
• Mood or personality disorders

The impact of childhood traumatic stress can last into the adult years, with issues such as [4]:

• Learning problems, including lower grades and more suspensions and expulsions
• Increased use of health and mental health services
• Increased involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice systems
• Long-term health problems (e.g. diabetes, asthma, heart disease; stroke; kidney disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity)

Females or minorities have a higher risk of experiencing four or more ACEs.

Does Childhood Trauma Ever Go Away?

Childhood trauma does not simply “go away” on its own. Its effects can linger into adulthood if not addressed. However, with effective intervention and support, individuals can learn to manage its impact and lead fulfilling lives. The key to dealing with childhood trauma lies in: 

• Appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Strong social support
• Personal resilience-building

The outcome of healing from childhood trauma varies from person to person. Some may find that they can move past their trauma relatively quickly. Others might deal with its effects throughout their lives. 

The extent to which trauma can be “resolved” depends on many factors, including:

• Nature of the trauma
• Timely availability of therapy
• Individual factors such as genetic predisposition to symptoms
• Presence of a supportive environment.

How To Overcome Childhood Trauma?

Therapeutic Intervention

Unresolved childhood trauma can be healed with the help of a trauma-informed therapist who provides:

• An understanding of ACEs and your initial distrust. If not present, keep looking.
• A safe therapeutic space, where you can build trust.
• A full expression of your emotions.
• Responsiveness to move at your pace.

Professional therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand and process their trauma. Common therapies designed to help you confront and reframe traumatic experiences include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) 
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Therapy provides tools and strategies to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges posed by trauma, enabling individuals to gradually diminish its influence over their daily lives and emotional well-being.

Support Systems

A supportive network of family and friends can significantly enhance the healing process. They also offer practical support and encouragement to seek and continue treatment.

Personal Development

Building personal resilience is another critical factor. This can include:

• Developing coping strategies
• Engaging in activities that boost self-esteem
• Fostering a sense of purpose and future orientation. 

Resilience does not negate the trauma but allows individuals to live more fully despite it.

Long-term Management

Even with therapy and support, the effects of childhood trauma may not completely disappear. Some individuals might experience triggers or setbacks, especially during periods of stress or other significant life changes. Ongoing self-care, continuous therapeutic practices, and sometimes long-term counseling are important for maintaining mental health.

Professional Trauma-Informed Help in Utah

Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, other mental health issues or addictions? Our licensed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of holistic techniques.

Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Sources

[1] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Complex Trauma Effects. 

[2] Cai J, Li J, Liu D, Gao S, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Liu Q. Long-term effects of childhood trauma subtypes on adult brain function. Brain Behav. 2023 May;13(5)

[3] Monfared, J. Childhood Trauma and its Effect on Adulthood. Concept. Palo Alto University.
[4] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2024. Understanding Child Trauma.