Childhood trauma, which is acknowledged as a factor that might contribute to substance mental illness and homelessness.
However, a lot of people go through difficult childhood experiences and come out unscathed.
This is due to the fact that not everyone who encounters trauma develops trauma.
What distinguishes those who seem to be mainly unaffected by their trauma from others who are clearly affected by it?
What is trauma experienced as a child?
Events in life can cause trauma in people in many different ways, but researchers typically limit the definition of trauma to events that can be seen.
Among them are:
- observing instances of domestic violence
- living with those who have mental health issues
- the passing of a member of the immediate family
Adverse childhood experiences is the term used to describe this.
Experiences with forced migration, war, or life as a refugee should be recorded as well, if applicable.
Surprisingly little is known about individuals who fare better, despite the fact that academics rightfully devote a great deal of time to studying the needs of those whose trauma appears to define their life.
What is certain is that an individual’s level of effect is not predicted by the traumatic incident itself.
Put differently, painful experiences do not lead to trauma.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, consider this in relation to alcohol abuse: the majority of drinkers never experience problems with alcohol. Alcoholism is not caused by drinking per se.
Although the definition of a traumatic experience is quite straightforward, each person’s reaction to it is very unique. The lingering repercussions of experiencing a traumatic event are known as traumatization.
Being traumatized entails having your personal feeling of security and safety compromised. Negative effects on your life, such as elevated anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, sadness, and so on, may then result from this.
Why then do some people experience trauma while others do not?
There are numerous reasons why some people experience trauma and others do not. A few of these are very personalized.
However, there is also some predictability regarding who will likely experience trauma, and this helps us identify individuals who are probably going to be doing better.
First, how you react to the trauma is important. After the traumatic experience, did the child get emotional and physical safety and security, or did they receive a conflicting or hostile response?
In some cases, the experience gets worst if you lack a caregiver who would listen to you, believe you, and take appropriate action to ensure your safety.
Furthermore, was this the child’s only traumatic incident, or did they have others? According to research, experiencing multiple traumas does not increase resilience; rather, it increases the likelihood of being traumatized and having long-term health effects.
Children who experience parental separation are not always traumatized. On the other hand, divorcing parents who continue to have a bad relationship and whose child-rearing is hampered are exacerbating traumas and could put a child at higher risk of long-term effects.
Whether the youngster has a consistent adult in their lives who shows them unconditional positive respect is the third—and possibly most crucial—factor to consider. Usually, a parent is involved, but it’s not necessary.
It has been demonstrated that having one consistent, loving adult in a child’s life is extremely protective when it comes to helping them heal from traumatic childhood experiences.
The importance of compassionate adults
Even with the best treatments and support in place, it is still possible for someone to experience trauma, despite the fact that some aspects are generalizable.
Of course, some people have loving families despite experiencing severe, enduring trauma. The reason is unclear.
After a trauma, recovery is possible. But the more severe the trauma, especially if it involves domestic interpersonal trauma like abuse or neglect, the more severely someone’s sense of safety has been undermined, and consequently, the more difficult it is to undo the harm.
If a youngster never had a reliable adult to offer them a hug every day, it might be impossible to lessen the consequences. They ought to be avoided as a result.
But how can someone who has suffered trauma be best positioned to have a happy, healthy life, in the lack of the ability to prevent all traumatic events?
Basically, with tenderness. Studies on resilience and trauma have consistently demonstrated that the most reliable protective variables include a sense of belonging in their community (such their school community), a loving adult, and unconditional love and support.
Although a traumatic experience has the power to alter a child’s life, there are steps we may take to shield them from the long-term impacts of trauma.
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