Impact of childhood trauma

Why we need to explore conscious parenting How do adverse childhood experiences affect the brain and development and well being? When we are stressed, the brain activates the body`s stress response system which is designed to calm you down. The brain sends a message to the hypothalamus , which stimulates glands in the body to release stress hormones that trigger fight or flight response. This increases heart rates, and blood pressure and rapid breathing. Airways open up or dilate so that more oxygen can be taken in. The senses become sharper and and blood sugar is released for the body to stay alert. When the brain perceives that the stress has passed, it slows the release of hormones to calm down again. In adverse childhood experiences the body`s stress response is activated for a long time. This disrupts the architecture, function and development of the brain and the stress response system. The stress response mechanism will not be able to distinguish what is dangerous and what is safe. The increase in stress hormones such as cortisol suppresses the immune system, which leads to increase in infections. These disturbances in the brain will lead to mental health problems in childhood or later life, and they affect development , education and general wellbeing. Children who have suffered adverse childhood experiences are more at risk of physical and mental health and poor wellbeing , as well as negative social and educational outcomes. Holistic health Overstimulation of the brain due to stress affects the immune system and increases the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The overstimulation also affects organs of the body predisposing these children to diabetes, heart attacks and liver disease in later life. Prolonged suppression of immunity leads to asthma and allergies. Development The effects of toxic stress include disruption or interference with working memory, IQ, attention , social cognition, verbal ability , language and inhibitory control. Some young children struggle to learn and think rationally. Poor language and verbal skills and inhibitory control can interfere with relationships that can also promote healthy development now and in later life. Education Effects of toxic stress on development, including memory, IQ, cognition and inhibitory control as well as language affects children`s ability to achieve in education. Anyone, including a child who is continuously stressed, might develop challenging behaviour to express themselves. They might also struggle with consistent school attendance. Or become an overachiever to prove themselves. The limitations in school attendance and educational achievement make it difficult for them to achieve in later life when looking for work. Well-being Poor social cognition may lead to inability to develop positive interactions which leads to more stress due to feelings of rejection, abandonment and isolation. Due to lack of inhibitory control, children who have suffered adverse childhood engage in risky behaviour such as alcohol abuse, drug taking, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies, early sexual activity, sexual violence and sexually transmitted diseases. They may also struggle to perform effectively at work due to an inability to manage everyday life, leading to financial difficulties. A child who is stressed from constant criticism, pressure to conform and maybe is physically punished at home learns to invalidate his or her emotions. That leads to feeling not good enough. They end up attaching their worthiness to externals in adulthood. Individuals who had adverse childhood experiences are prone to mental illness ranging from anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder to combat negative thoughts, panic sorders leading to panic attacks and other disorders. They may also attempt or commit suicide.