Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

A traumatic event is any frightening, dangerous, or violent situation that threatens a child’s safety or physical well-being. Witnessing harm to a loved one or the threat of such harm can also be traumatic for a child, especially children, whose sense of security is closely tied to the safety of their caregivers.

Traumatic experiences can trigger intense emotional and physical responses that may linger long after the event itself. Children may experience feelings of terror, helplessness, or fear, along with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea, or loss of bladder or bowel control. When children are unable to protect themselves or lack the protection of others during these events, they may feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotional and physical reactions.

Despite efforts to shield children from harm, dangerous situations can still occur. These may include external threats like natural disasters, car accidents, school shootings, or community violence. Trauma can also originate within the family through experiences such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

Types of Traumatic Experiences

Youth can face trauma in various forms, including:

• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect
• Natural disasters
• Violence within the family or community
• Terrorism, mass shootings, and other forms of mass violence
• Racism, discrimination, and prejudice
• Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
• Substance abuse within the family or by the child
• Separation from caregivers due to immigration, incarceration, or other circumstances
• War-related experiences, including torture and displacement(refugee)
• Serious accidents or life-threatening illness
• Stressors related to military life, such as parental deployment or injury

When youth experience life-threatening events or witness harm to others, they may develop signs of traumatic stress.

Child Traumatic Stress

Child traumatic stress occurs when children have been exposed to one or more traumatic events and continue to experience distress that disrupts their everyday life even after the threat has passed. This can manifest as intense emotional distress, anxiety, depression, behavioral changes, trouble forming relationships, or difficulties with self-control. Some children may regress, losing previously acquired skills, while others may struggle with focus, school performance, and sleep. Nightmares, appetite changes, and physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches are also common. Older children may engage in risky behaviors, such as substance use or unsafe sexual activity.

Children with traumatic stress may react strongly when reminded of the event. While temporary stress reactions are normal, when these responses interfere with daily life and relationships, it becomes a sign of traumatic stress. Even very young children, including infants and toddlers, can experience traumatic stress, with symptoms varying based on age and developmental stage.

Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma

Without proper support and treatment, ongoing exposure to trauma can have lasting effects on a child’s brain and body. It can increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as smoking, substance use, and disordered eating. Research shows that childhood trauma survivors are at higher risk for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease and may have a shorter life expectancy. Traumatic stress can also lead to greater reliance on health and mental health services and increased involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Adults who experienced trauma as children may face challenges in building stable relationships and maintaining employment.

Trauma Triggers and Challenges

Traumatic events often lead to major disruptions in a child’s life, such as changes in where they live, who they live with, and their daily routines. Children may have to cope with injuries to themselves or others and ongoing legal or social consequences related to the traumatic event.

Reminders of the trauma—such as specific people, places, sounds, anniversaries, or physical sensations—can resurface feelings of fear, sadness, and distress. Identifying these triggers is key to understanding why a child’s behavior and emotional state may fluctuate over time. These reminders can affect not only the child but also their family, school, and community, influencing the recovery process.

Risk and Protective Factors

Not all children exposed to trauma develop traumatic stress. Several factors influence how a child responds to trauma:

By recognizing the signs of trauma and providing appropriate support, caregivers, teachers, mental health professionals, and others can help youth navigate and heal from these challenging experiences.