Finally! The experts are finally realizing what survivors have known for generations. Childhood trauma, especially early childhood trauma ( up to age 6) has a direct impact on future life experiences, especially if that trauma is not dealt with and kept locked away never to be spoken about because the shame and stigma, for the victim, is too much to handle.
Is it the victim's fault that society is ignorant to the cause and effect? No, but the victim does get revictimized by it throughout life - a vicious cycle. The only way to stop that cycle is to talk about trauma. Survivors need to share their experiences - their stories - their struggles - their triumphs.
Child sexual assault
Child abuse
Child neglect
Emotional abuse in childhood
Growing up in an alcoholic environment
Growing up in an environment where there is other drug dependencies
Growing up in a home with domestic violence
As a society we need to focus on intervention - all of us need to be aware and to act when we see displayed before our eyes, the symptoms of childhood trauma. If you look closely you will in fact notice them all around you, especially if you are around children.
Those symptoms include the following - now, while some of the following may appear in children who have never experienced early childhood trauma, a pattern will evolve. Children exhibiting these often thought of as bad behaviors, are actually emotionally bleeding before our eyes. They need personalized trauma care, love and compassion. They need resources for them, as well as their entire family.
Birth to age 2:
Unusually high level of anger
Tantrums that do not stop within a few minutes
Inability to be soothed or comforted
Agitation
Heightened startle response (easily startled)
Terrified responses to sights, sounds, etc., that remind the child of the trauma
New fears
Loss of skills such as use of the toilet and/or speech (children at this age may quit speaking)
Aggression towards family and others
Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma
Fear of being separated from parent or caregiver
Eating problems such as loss of appetite, low weight or digestion issues
Nightmares
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Listlessness
Withdrawal from previously trusted adults
Avoidance of eye contact and/or physical contact
From 3 to 5 years:
Unusually high level of anger/excessive temper
Tantrums that do not stop within a few minutes
Inability to be soothed or comforted
Aggression towards family and others
Verbal abuse towards others
Overly bossy or controlling
Disruptive (may be expelled from preschool due to behaviors)
Agitation
Difficulty focusing or learning
Development of learning disabilities
Poor skills development
Loss of skills, such as speech, use of the toilet
Bedwetting
Acting out in social situations
Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma
Fear of being separated from parent or caregiver
Withdrawal from family and friends
Avoidance of eye contact and/or physical contact
Inability to trust others or make friends
Imitating the traumatic event
Heightened startle response (easily startled)
Terrified responses to sights, sounds, etc., that remind the child of the trauma
Eating problems such as loss of appetite, low weight or digestion issues
Lack of self confidence
Stomach aches and headaches
Loneliness
Confusion
Unusual clinginess
Overly obedient (fear of punishment for not obeying)
Wild eyed, especially when stressed
Nightmares
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Ages 6-12
Unusually high level of anger/excessive temper
Aggression towards family and others
Verbal abuse towards others
Overly bossy or controlling
School problems
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Stomachaches, headaches and other physical complaints
Withdrawal from friends and family
Fear of being separated from caregiver
Acting out in social situations
Imitating the traumatic event
Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma
Eating problems such as loss of appetite, low weight or digestion issues
Nightmares
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Inability to trust others or make friends
Lack of self confidence
Loneliness
Confusion
Drug or alcohol use
Clinginess
Sexual knowledge beyond the child’s age
Overreaction to situations
Re-creation of the traumatic event during play
Hoarding of food
The teen years
Unusually high level of anger
Aggression towards family and others
Verbal abuse towards others
Overly controlling
School problems
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Drug or alcohol use
Associating with negative peers or adults
Risky behaviors, including sexual behaviors
Unhealthy romantic relationships
Self harm
Panic attacks
Shame
Flashbacks
Hostility
Hoarding of food
Overly self-reliant
Running away
Starting fights
Trouble relating to peers
Defiant
Mistrustful
Inability to see a future (expects to die young)
Alienated
Stomachaches, headaches and other physical complaints
Withdrawal from friends and family
Acting out in social situations
Avoidance of situations that remind the child of the trauma
Eating problems
Nightmares
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Inability to trust others or make friends
Poor self esteem
Loneliness
Confusion
Trauma experienced as a child will continue to spin out of control keeping victims isolated from healing and growing . If we ever hope to stop the cycles of abuse we need to reach into that storm's center and pull that child out into an loving embrace, letting them know they are loved. It takes one person to make an impact in someone's life, negative and/or positive.
Survivors who have been there can make the greatest impact by sharing your stories, ending the silence and isolation. That is when society learns and grows - that is when being a once victim will no longer carry shame. Life happens, we should not be embarrassed to admit that - we should not be fearful of judgement for something that was out of our control, and we should be creating a world filled for love for all children brought into our world. While we may not be able to prevent all abuse from occurring we can at least whittle away at the cycle which can cause it to run amok in future generations.
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If you are a survivor working towards bettering your community while using your life experience and/or working towards change in laws - please contact #WhenIBecameFree - The Heartland Project atchewedupspatout@gmail.com and visit the website at #WhenIBecameFree-The Heartland Project
Help to keep this project going. Expenses incurred include fuel, vehicle maintenance, office equipment, TONS of coffee and precious time. Any donation is appreciated and all donors will be acknowledged on this site, and the end product and outcome of the project,
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