Lingering Effects of Childhood Trauma

Complex trauma results from a child’s experience of multiple traumatic events which have many long term effects. The traumas cause ripples of stunted development and maladaptive behaviors in the quest for the child to feel safe. Children that experience violence learn the world isn’t a safe place. They are unable or they lack influence to change their circumstances. Because the child is subjected to traumatic events, usually from someone close to them whom they should trust, they naturally develop attachment issues. Without a sense of safety, security and stability, the mental, physical and emotional development of these traumatized individuals is thwarted.

These traumatized individuals grow up with self-worth, self-competency and self-respect issues. They will likely develop the sense the whole world and life is meaningless. Their negative views of life and negative expectations block positive problem solving. They feel hopeless and defeated, and are disempowered in making a difference in their own lives. They live in survival mode and are hypervigilant, expecting the next trauma to befall them imminently.

These traumatized individuals often start to shut down, become disconnected, then more fully detach from life and even become unresponsive. This detachment can lead to risky behavior- especially as teens. Body dysregulation (under- or over-responding to stimuli) can result. Not feeling pain or discomfort, they can injure themselves without realizing it or experience pain for no apparent reason. They may also become overly sensitive to light, sounds, touch or smells.

Expecting the worst to happen, they develop a general defensiveness to whatever is going on, even if they aren’t experiencing an attack. This defensiveness can lead to emotional numbing, which leads to increased vulnerability and re-victimization.

These traumatized individuals have difficulty calming themselves. They experience explosive responses to events or triggers from the past. Because of overwhelm and extreme upset, they often give up easily and are more likely to experience depression. Dissociation is also common. They’re able to cut themselves off from different aspects of themselves and exist in altered states. Dissociation can prevent them from being grounded and in the present moment. In a child, this can appear as daydreaming, spacing out or an inability to focus.

A traumatized individual often blames themselves—an expression that their self-esteem is shattered. They feel shame and guilt, and even believe they deserve the trauma or abuse. They’re unable to even dream about a positive future.

For more information, call Dr. Anne M. Deatly at 201-925-1046). or email Anne.Deatly@gmail.com.

Tags: Childhood Trauma, Complex Trauma, Dr. Anne M. Deatly, Lingering Effects, Trauma