What is childhood trauma?

The term "youth trauma" is used for trauma that occurs in childhood; before the age of eighteen. It is the result of significant experiences during a period when you are still dependent on others and your brain, nervous system, and self-image are still in full development. Partly for this reason, youth trauma often has a tremendous impact.

Roughly speaking, youth trauma arises from:

• An excess of what should not have been there, such as abuse, abuse or structural insecurity

• A lack of what should have been there, such as safety, protection and sufficient attention

There may have been both an excess and a deficiency in your childhood.

Childhood trauma can be caused by one significant event, but much more often it occurs as a result of growing up in an unsafe or stressful environment for a long time. What happened or what was missing, how old you were, how often it occurred, and whether there was someone who supported you all influence how big the impact is. Because of this, childhood trauma and its severity can affect everyone differently.

Fortunately, not every painful or difficult experience leads to childhood trauma. Support, recognition, and a safe adult can make a big difference in how a child processes events. When a child is consistently exposed to too much insecurity or too little protection, lasting scars can form. That is what we are talking about when it comes to childhood trauma.

Only visible later

Many people only realize later that what they experienced in their childhood was traumatic. A child often does not know any better, adapts to their environment, tries to remain loyal, or blames themselves for what happens or what is lacking. Childhood trauma is then often only visible in adulthood. And can manifest itself through, for example: problems with emotional regulation and self-care, which is deeply rooted negative self-image have difficulty establishing and building meaningful relationships and friendships. 

Rebuilding from childhood trauma is possible. It varies from person to person how recovery happens and what the path to recovery looks like. Professional help can be important, but support, meaningful work, movement, and contact with (domestic) animals can also help reduce symptoms and give the past a place without determining your life.