Childhood trauma, sometimes referred to as developmental or complex trauma, describes adverse experience(s) that affects a child’s sense of safety and security. Experiences are often repeated and cause significant distress.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Food Insecurity
- Parent or caregiver with addiction problems
- Parentification (adult-like responsibilities such as paying bills, caring for younger siblings for extended amounts of time, etc.)
The effects of these troubling experiences can be carried out into adulthood.
Survivors of childhood trauma often report feeling anxious and having difficulty connecting with others. They may feel on-edge or over-extend themselves to make others happy. Sometimes trauma survivors find themselves in unhealthy relationships similar to what they experienced as a child.
Learn more about healing childhood trauma here.