What is trauma, and how common is childhood trauma? According to studies, 14% to 43% of boys and 15% to 43% of girls experience at least one traumatic event. Understanding the differences and diagnosing childhood trauma can help you address the problem. Here are the most common types of childhood trauma that lead to negative outcomes as an adult.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a non-accidental infliction of physical harm to a child by a parent, caregiver, or guardian. It includes hitting, kicking, slapping, biting, shoving, and throwing an object. Also, it involves burning or using any other form of violent physical punishment.
It also puts children at risk of potential long-term physical or psychological effects. These include depression and anxiety. Adults need to intervene to provide this trauma support specialist and proper care for the victim if a child is exposed to physical abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse describes any behavior that causes harm to a child’s emotional development. It can include invalidation of a child’s feelings. And experiences of name-calling and belittling. Other forms of emotional abuse may comprise manipulation and excessive criticism. Also, it includes withholding love or support and controlling behavior.
Trauma is an emotional response to a painful or distressing event. Childhood trauma needs to be addressed so that children can receive the help they need and overcome the trauma’s consequences. Mental health professionals will often use something like The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test to determine areas where childhood abuse may have occurred, as well as how it relates to mental problems they may suffer with as an adult. Stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction are consequences of early life trauma.
Exposure to emotional abuse can lead to poor self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. And, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation.
Neglect
Neglect is abuse where a caregiver provides basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and affection and fails to provide any of these needs. It can be physical, emotional, or educational.
These can be harmful to a child. It can cause long-term physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. Thus, recognize signs of neglect and address childhood trauma treatment as soon as possible.
Household Dysfunction
Household dysfunction is a term used to describe a family situation that is unhealthy or disruptive. This can involve issues such as substance abuse, poverty, mental health problems, domestic abuse, or neglect. It can impact children who experience it and lead to long-term psychological and physical effects.
There are three main types of childhood trauma related to household dysfunction. They are abandonment, psychological abuse, and physical neglect. These can lead to issues that affect the child for the rest of their life.
Types of Childhood Trauma You Need to Be Aware Of
Childhood trauma can have long-term implications for mental and physiological health. These can be physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Knowing about the most common types of childhood trauma can help parents identify potential trauma early and seek help from qualified professionals.
If you or someone you care about has encountered trauma, reach out to help and take steps to heal by treating trauma.
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