The 7 most serious traumas during childhood

The most serious traumas during childhood usually arise from situations in which children perceive that their life or that of significant people in their upbringing is in danger. In particular, from the mother or father.

Childhood traumas can leave traces that last a lifetime, especially if they are serious. What makes them more intense? The degree of harm perpetrated, its frequency, the age at which it occurs, the psychological resources available and the support available. The most serious traumas are usually the following.

Traumas in childhood often influence throughout life.

1. Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is one of the most serious traumas during childhood. It has to do with actions such as continued verbal violence, absence of signs of affection, episodes of humiliation and contempt, etc.

A study carried out in 2016 showed that behaviors of this type produce changes in children’s brains.

2. Physical abuse

Physical abuse occurs when injuries occur to a child’s body as a result of aggression by an adult.

The most conservative data indicate that one in 20 people has suffered this type of abuse during childhood. This type of abuse makes the child (and later adult) more vulnerable to external agents. that can precipitate a mental or physical illness.

3. Sexual abuse

Another of the most serious traumas during childhood is sexual abuse. It is a traumatic experience that children experience as an attack against their physical and psychological integrity. Its consequences usually last throughout life.

This type of abuse includes any forced sexual conduct that invades the integrity and privacy of minors by an adult. In addition, it must be taken into account that any sexual behavior towards a child, both with and without physical contact, is punishable by law.

4. Negligence

Abuse due to neglect or family neglect has to do with the lack of protection of children, in the face of their basic needs or potential risks for him or her. The deprivation of care causes physical, psychological and social deficiencies. The consequences of this depend on the intensity of the abandonment and the risk factors present in the environment.

5. Violent abuse of the mother

Children who witness violent abuse towards their mother have a very high risk of developing health problems more easily. They are also more likely to engage in violence in adulthood and are more likely to develop mental health disorders. such as anxiety and depression. It is common for strong feelings of guilt to appear for not being able to help or save the mother.

6. Substance abuse at home

The abuse of psychoactive substances at home is also among the most serious traumas during childhood.

The Pompidou Group, under the direction of Dr. Corina Giacomello, carried out an investigation into this matter. It states that These children are at greater risk of becoming substance abusers in the future.as well as suffering from mood disorders and mental health problems.

Parents who use substances also tend to develop neglectful behavior towards their children.

7. Imprisonment of one of the parents

Children who have a parent in prison not only lose the possibility of having regular contact with that parent, but also present higher levels of stress. They experience a continuous sense of loss and almost always have trouble forming a coherent model of authority and family.. This commonly leads to attachment disorders, post-traumatic stress symptoms or attention deficit.

To do?

As a rule, Any person who has experienced one or more of the most serious traumas during childhood needs professional help. You may not notice it, but it is those traces of the past that often prevent you from growing and moving forward in life.

Ideally, every person subjected to this type of experience should be treated as soon as possible.. The earlier you address the situation, the greater the chance that the trauma will have less significant effects.

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