Many adults experience anxiety, depression, and relationship problems influenced by complex childhood trauma. It can be difficult for adults experiencing these mental health symptoms to understand the role played by wounds from childhood.
Trauma is complex. Sometimes it stems from specific incidents, such as combat trauma, abuse, or an accident. Childhood trauma is often overlooked as it may not be isolated to a single event and
Outcomes of these experiences can have lasting impact in a person’s life, including symptoms related to Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).
Some childhood experiences that can lead to complex trauma include:
- An unsafe or unpredictable home life
- Exposure to domestic violence
- Neglect or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Bullying or discrimination
- Loss of a family member or close friend
- Loss of a family member or friend to suicide
- Alcohol or drug use in the home
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year, and this is likely an underestimate as many cases go unreported.
Childhood trauma can disrupt development psychically, cognitively, and behaviorally
Childhood trauma impacts brain development, ultimately impacting behaviors later in life.
How an Adult with a Chaotic Childhood Can Move Forward
Developmental trauma often affects a person their whole lives. That’s why talk therapy and possibly psychotropic medication, such as antidepressants, can be useful in the effort to recovery and form a health self-identity. Addressing these complex concerns pays off, as recovery, grief, and growth take place. By working towards learning basic self-care, the individual may feel more comfortable and develop compassion and patience for themselves.
The good news is that the brain is capable of changing. The appropriate treatment to improve quality of life for a person who has C-PTSD are as varied as the individual experiences. Some treatment options include individual therapy, group therapy programs, pharmaceutical medications for depression and anxiety, or other interventions including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Ready to start healing? Contact our team at Therapeutic Solutions to learn more about how we can help by dialing (530) 899-3150.
