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The Hidden Mental Scars of Childhood Trauma in Adults

The Hidden Mental Scars of Childhood Trauma in Adults

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Some people in this world get traumatized and later develop PTSD at an older age. This severely disrupts the overall functioning of the affected people.

The following article is probably the best guide for what trauma is, how childhood trauma in adults can ruin an adult’s life, and what are the effective ways to cope with it.

Common Signs Of Post-Traumatic Disorder

Some of the common signs of PTSD are as follows:

  • Extreme fear
  • Sadness
  • Socially withdrawn
  • Hopelessness
  • Irritability
  • Numbness
  • Denial of the trauma
  • Anger outbursts
  • Avoiding people linked with trauma
  • Feeling upset in the presence of triggers
  • Constantly reliving the event
  • Constant vigilance for threats
  • Nightmares
  • Difficulty in sleeping

What Influences A Child’s Reflex To A Traumatic Event?

Some of the common factors that determine a child’s reaction to a traumatic event include:

Developmental level:

This simply means the point where a child stands age or mind-wise.

Cultural Factors:

This may also affect the child’s perception of what should be expected in a traumatic situation depending on what he or she has observed from people in his or her communities or families.

Available resources:

This refers to the financial connection of the family with the affected person additionally, their access to their daily needs.

Past exposure to trauma:

When a child frequents traumatic events they can grasp control as part of the event that they have become accustomed to.

Read More: Understanding Relational Trauma

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Childhood Trauma In Adults?

Childhood trauma may exhibit ongoing and lifelong effects. Affected adults may experience the following prominent effects of childhood trauma.

Physical Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that if a person has a negative childhood they will surely have a weak immune system. Additionally, there is a positive relationship between chronic health conditions and traumatic events including the most common diabetes and heart disease.

A study performed in 2019 indicates that people who experienced childhood trauma have a higher risk of the below-mentioned conditions in adulthood:

  • Heart Disease
  • Liver Disease
  • Cancer
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Autoimmune Conditions

Mental Health

Individuals who undergo childhood trauma also have a high risk of serious mental health conditions in their adulthood, such as:

The United Kingdom National Health Service says that almost 1 in 3 psychologically diagnosed people has a history of childhood trauma.

Relationships:

Toxic stress is one of the most overwhelming mental illnesses and undoubtedly it is caused by the occurrence of childhood experiences.

There was a study conducted in 2017 with newlywed couples as subjects, the results showed that individuals with childhood abuse were more likely to be unsatisfied in their relationships as compared to normal ones.

Substance Misuse:

Teenagers and adults are usually seen doing substance abuse. There can be many reasons, one of them is the Childhood trauma in adults. People having a dark past of childhood abuse or trauma in their childhood are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse behavior as a coping method such as consumption of alcohol and drugs.

Recovering From Childhood Trauma in Adults

Mental health support for adults is available who experienced trauma in childhood. The following are some of the therapy for childhood trauma in adults along with management strategies for adults who once experienced childhood trauma.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that helps patients share all their concerns with a mental health professional. For trauma specifically trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works wonders. It primarily focuses on the way a person understands their thoughts, abilities, and behaviors and develops positive and healthy ways to cope with the negative effects of traumatic events.

Stress Reduction:

A functioning body can aid in reduced stress such as activities like mindfulness, exercise, or other stress-reducing strategies activities can employ a positive effect on the body and mind.

Support:

Social support matters a lot in managing childhood trauma. Spending time with friends, loved ones, and even support groups can help the affected person be less isolated and can aid them in managing the effects of childhood trauma.

A healthy routine:

Sorting out your routine for eating, sleeping, exercising, and performing other activities can assist the affected people cope with the negative effects of the trauma and feel less stressed out.

Read More: Understanding The Different Types Of Trauma

Mental Health Treatment To Manage Childhood Trauma In Adults

Treating childhood trauma in adults is not easy. However, the treatment becomes effective when a combined approach is used. The first-line treatment methods include psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and coping techniques.

Therapy:

Every person experiences different duration and severity of traumatic experiences and thus requires personalized treatment therapies. Some of the common therapies are:

The most trusted and commonly used therapies involve:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT):

This therapy is a complete form of therapy that is primarily used to treat borderline personality disorder. It’s since then been used to treat childhood trauma in adults.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR):

This is a superior therapeutic approach facilitating the affected persons to process the traumatic memories with the help of ‘bilateral stimulation’, the most usual ones being ‘rapid eye movement’, ‘tapping’, and ‘auditory tones’.

Read More: Trauma Brain Vs Normal Brain: How Trauma Affects The Way We Live

Psychiatric medications:

In some of the victims, psychiatric medication alone is sufficient for treating traumatic memories of the complete event. It is primarily done to stabilize the mental condition of the affected person by using psychiatric medication. For some, medication alone can be helpful to get rid of childhood trauma responses in adults. In some cases, medication can be one of the best forms of Trauma treatment in Adults. Psychiatric medication can help cope with signs of childhood trauma in adults. This is particularly necessary when addressing co-morbid depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Some of the common PTSD medications that may aid in decreasing the survivors of trauma:

Conclusion!

Trauma is an extremely severe mental health issue that disturbs the mental state and way of living of the affected person. Additionally, any childhood trauma can take the shape of a nightmare when it starts affecting adulthood. It badly ruins the social relations and self-image of a person. Some of the common signs include heart disease, liver disease, cancer, anger issues, depression, and PTSD. Some of the most commonly used mental health treatment options are psychiatric medications and psychotherapy. So, if you are also struggling with childhood trauma in adulthood, then is the best time for you to connect with Orange Coast Psychiatry. Regain your mental stability today!

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Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.