The most important stage of development in a child’s timeline is between the age of birth and three years. After this, so much of their brain is already wired in a certain way that whatever happens during this period will have a long-term influence on how their personality and responses are shaped. When trauma causes pain and suffering, it will stay with a person for the rest of their life, and here’s how.
Common Causes of Childhood Pain and Suffering
Understanding the most common causes of childhood pain and suffering will be useful for this post. If someone is exposed to any of the following, they are more likely to see lasting impact into their adult years.
- Physical or sexual abuse
- A specific event like a house fire
- Car crashes
- The death of a caregiver or sibling
- Neglect in a daycare or education setting
- Bullying in any form
The Impact This Has On Development and Adulthood
What do these types of events bring in terms of consequences as children grow into adulthood? There are lots of negative consequences to navigate, many of which will require therapeutic interventions and peer support to ensure rehabilitation is possible.
Loss of Identity
Loss of identity is when a person struggles to connect with who they are and what defines them. They may feel lost, floating, and disassociated from their day-to-day life. While it is possible to hold a job, a relationship, and even be a parent, loss of identity is a serious consequence that requires an expert level of input in order to facilitate healing. A good example of this is with burn victims who feel a certain sense of loss and often struggle to reconnect with the person they were before the incident took place.
Shame and Guilt
Shame and guilt are big features in the aftermath of abuse, bullying, or loss. Victims often transfer the blame onto themselves in a way to process the trauma, but it is a harmful mindset that only leads to further mental harm.
Addictions
Adults who suffered in childhood are 10 times more likely to become addicted and reliant on substances such as alcohol or drugs. They may get into debt, miss out on professional opportunities, struggle to keep friendships or relationships, and put their physical health at risk as well through these actions.
Harmful Relationships
There is also a risk that they only ever seek out harmful relationships. These are the types of connections that continue to cause pain and suffering because this is how the brain has been wired. Victims of trauma often fall into detrimental relationships because this is what they are used to and where they feel ‘comfortable’.
Cycle Repetition
Cycle repetition is when an adult who went through something major in childhood repeats this behavior in some way. For example, living with a parent who was physically abusive may lead you to never raise a hand to your own children, but it could also mean violence is commonplace and feels normal to you.
How to Spot the Signs in Your Child
If you think your child is suffering, you can usually tell from how they act. There will be clear signs of anger, sadness, fear, and even the classic shame and guilt that manifest so commonly. Keep a close watch on daycare and school environments or relationships, and nurture the bond you have created so they have a safe space to work things through.
How to See The Symptoms in Yourself
As an adult, without practicing a degree of self-reflection it can be incredibly difficult to recognize when you are trapped in a degrading cycle of behavior. If you are going through any of the symptoms above, then this is a good indication that it is time for therapy or even medical interventions. These can be useful for kickstarting the recalibration and healing process, though you have to be motivated to grow and change.
How Can Custodio & Dubey Help?
If you have been through something traumatic at a young age and it is severely impacting your adult life, our team is here to help you with the legal side of finding justice. Whether it is historical abuse, physical harm, or something else that led to your current feelings and struggles, there will be a way to find a resolution with the right support and input.
When you feel ready, come visit us at 445 S Figueroa Street Suite 2520 Los Angeles, CA 90071.
Alternatively, call now for a free and confidential consultation on (213) 593-9095.
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December 23, 2024