Compared with the daily stress and responsibilities of adult life, most people think of childhood as a relatively carefree time. Yet, whether through an accident or the actions of others, some children don’t get through childhood unscathed. Even if it’s not obvious at first, early childhood trauma can leave a lifelong mark if it’s not treated. Knowing the signs of early childhood trauma is the first step.
Common Signs of Early Childhood Trauma
The signs of a childhood trauma can depend on several factors, such as the cause of the trauma and the child’s relationships. Accidental traumas, such as an injury from falling out of a tree, might leave little or no impact. Or, they might lead to recurring bad dreams and a phobia about heights.
Traumas caused by the actions of another person, such as a caregiver or family member, often leave more lasting symptoms. Teens who suffered these kinds of traumas often struggle with trust, press limits, and make marginal progress in school. Impulsive behavior is also very common.
They may also show signs of poor self-image and struggle with depression or anxiety.
Extreme Signs
Not every teen will experience these symptoms, but they often serve as very reliable signs of some kind of past trauma. Self-harming and self-destructive activities, for example, should alert you to the real possibility of a trauma. Substance abuse can also indicate some past trauma.
If you see these signs, seek out professional help immediately. Whether the trauma happened long ago or recently, your child needs the assistance of a mental health expert before they do something irreversible.
Treatment Options
Treatment for a childhood trauma can happen with a therapist one-on-one, but you may discover that a treatment center offers more possibilities. A treatment center with a behaviour treatment program can apply several different therapeutic approaches. A range of approaches provides a better chance of success.
A few of the approaches your child might encounter at a treatment center include:
- Individual Counselling
- Recreational Therapy
- Experiential Learning
- Emotional Growth Support
- Life Skills Coaching
Depending on where you send your child, there is a good chance that they’ll get a personalized program. Personalized programs address a child’s needs specifically. That lets them avoid wasted time in treatments that don’t apply to their situation and get more from their time at the center.
About Venture Academy
Venture Academy provides mental health treatment for teens, such as teen anxiety treatment. Venture Academy maintains locations in Kelowna, British Columbia, Red Deer, Alberta and Barrie, Ontario.
Don’t let a childhood trauma control your child’s future. They can work through that trauma with help from a behaviour treatment program. Contact Venture Academy today at 866.762.2211 to see what we can do for your child.
