Childhood trauma
Effects on teens
Childhood trauma effects on teens can be wide-ranging, impacting their emotions, physical health, ability to learn, relationships, and overall happiness. We all experience difficulties sometimes, but traumatic events can leave a teen feeling like the problem is too big for them to cope with.
Trauma can be like a crack in the pavement; it can weaken the concrete, becoming wider over time. However, with the right tools, it can be repaired, becoming strong and resilient again. Anyone who has experienced trauma can heal – it may take effort, but with the right support and information, it’s entirely achievable.
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, this article can help. It covers:
- What childhood trauma is
- The signs of childhood trauma in teens
- How early childhood trauma can affect adolescent development
- How to heal from early trauma as a teen
- Available resources for healing from childhood trauma
- When to seek help for childhood trauma
What Is Childhood Trauma?
Reactions to trauma can include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks to the event which can make us feel “trapped” in the trauma, relationship problems, and even physical responses such as stomach pains and headaches. All of these responses are normal – but if they’re not processed in healthy ways, they can make a teen feel isolated, misunderstood, and unable to cope.
If you’re wondering whether you or someone you know is struggling to cope with childhood trauma, the signs of childhood trauma in teens could help.
Signs of Childhood Trauma in Teens
Difficulty managing their emotions and feelings- Flashbacks to a distressing event, including intrusive thoughts, images, and nightmares
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Outbursts of emotion, such as intense anger or upset
- Being highly alert or aware of their surroundings
- Difficulties concentrating or focusing on things like schoolwork
- Dissociating or “zoning out” from what’s going on around them
- Struggling with low self-esteem and self-worth
- Avoiding places or conversations related to the traumatic experience(s)
- Focusing intently on the traumatic event(s)
- Reverting to childlike ways of behaving
- Feelings of hopelessness and depression
- Loss of interest in things or activities they previously enjoyed
- Distrust of others
- A pessimistic outlook
- Guilt and self-blame
These signs of childhood trauma in teens aren’t limited – plus, how a teen responds to trauma can change over time. However, if you suspect that a teen is coping with trauma in ways that are damaging to their well-being, letting them know that support is available to them is always a good idea.
Impact of Early Childhood on Adolescent Development
Emotional Issues
Experiencing trauma as a child can cause a teenager to struggle with identifying, understanding, and expressing their emotion. They may have difficulty explaining how they feel, and either turn their emotions inwards or express them outwards in unpredictable outbursts – and may find it hard to calm down after they lose control. Additionally, they might seem constantly “on guard” and tense, or else “zoned out” to their surroundings.
Behavioral Issues
A teen who has experienced trauma may react very intensely to even small triggers. This may look like outbursts of anger or being easily “set off.” They may come across as unpredictable, or even aggressive. As a result of feeling fearful in childhood, they may either oppose authority figures or act unusually compliant. Additionally, they may also engage in risky behaviors, such as illegal activities – putting their future in jeopardy.
Difficulties Learning
Trauma may affect a teen’s ability to learn, including concentration, problem-solving, and reasoning. This is because they experienced a lot of stress when growing up, so all their mental resources went towards “survival mode.” As a teen, they might still be caught up in the events of the past, so struggle to focus on learning new information or skills. This might mean they need extra support in a school environment.
Self-Image Problems
Children learn about who they are as people from those around them. Therefore, experiencing trauma as a child may affect a teenager’s self-esteem and self-worth. They may blame themselves for their experiences and believe they’re not competent enough to handle tasks or problems by themselves.
Mental Health Issues
Early childhood trauma has been linked to mental health conditions in teens. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, risk-taking behaviors, eating disorders, and even thoughts of suicide – highlighting the importance of seeking support.
Relationship Difficulties
Distressing or traumatic experiences as a child can cause a teenager to believe that the world is unsafe – including the people in it. They may struggle to trust others, or else become too dependent on others to meet their emotional needs. This can affect the development of healthy, supportive relationships, whether they’re familial, romantic, or friendship-based.
Physical Health Ailments
Teens who experienced childhood trauma may have a rapid heartbeat and breathing in response to even slightly stressful circumstances, as well as recurring headaches and stomach pains. They may also be either over or under-sensitive to sounds, smell, and touch. Unfortunately, childhood trauma can also leave teens prone to developing physical health issues such as chronic health problems, especially if their trauma isn’t processed before adulthood.
Based on this information, the impact of early childhood on adolescent development is clearly wide-reaching. Teens who have experienced trauma often believe that the world isn’t safe and that they’re powerless to change it. They may struggle to see a bright future for themselves, so might lack motivation to plan for it.
If you or someone you care about is finding coping with childhood trauma difficult, support and help are available. It’s never too late to process trauma and work towards a more positive present and future.
Healing from Early Trauma as a Teen
1. Talk to Someone You Trust
Talking about what you’re going through with someone you trust can help lighten your load. Adults such as parents, teachers, mentors, or mental or medical health professionals can offer support and guidance – you’re not alone.
2. Find Ways to Relax
It can be difficult to relax when your body and mind are constantly in “alert mode.” However, it’s important to find ways to balance your mind and body to improve your well-being. One quick way of relaxing is focusing on your breathing. For example, “Box Breathing” is a quick, effective way to release tension and re-center your body and mind.
To practice Box Breathing…
- Breathe in slowly to a count of four. Feel your lungs expand as air enters them
- Hold onto the breath for four seconds
- Release the breath slowly through your mouth for four seconds
- Repeat the previous steps until you feel more relaxed and centered
You can practice this technique as many times as you need until your body and mind feel calmer. You could also try meditation – there are lots of videos online that could help. Alternatively, you could make a playlist of relaxing music, find a quiet place, and focus on your breathing.
3. Break Tasks Down Into Small Steps
Trauma can cause you to feel overwhelmed by even slightly stressful tasks or events. If you find yourself feeling like things are becoming too much, it can help to break tasks or goals into small, achievable steps. For example, if the day ahead feels unbearable, give yourself just the small task of going for a walk for some fresh air. Or, if a school assignment feels too hard, just start small, for instance, by choosing to read one article about the topic online.
4. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is different for everyone. Some people might enjoy meeting up with friends, others might prefer some alone time with a book or a favorite film. What matters most is that you choose things that make you feel like the best version of yourself and include them in your everyday routine. Factoring in activities you enjoy into your life can boost your brain’s “happy hormones” and help you manage stress better.
Resources for Teen Childhood Trauma Survivors
Healing from childhood trauma as a teen is entirely possible with the right support and treatment. If you or someone you know has experienced childhood trauma, know that there are a variety of options available to you.
Support groups for teens with childhood trauma are excellent resources for understanding that you’re not alone in what you’ve gone through. They can provide supportive, understanding, and validating ears – helping you process trauma and build healthy ways of coping.
Therapy is recommended for anyone who has gone through trauma. A trained mental health professional can help you cope with your experiences – and even help you discover strengths. The best therapies for healing childhood trauma in teens include:
CBT’s evidence-based approach can help people heal from trauma as it focuses on distressing thoughts, helps identify and process emotions, and develops coping skills.
EMDR therapy can help teens process trauma in a safe, supportive environment. It changes the way trauma is stored in the brain, reducing the impact of emotional abuse.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT was adapted from CBT for people who struggle with strong or difficult emotions and can help teenagers who have experienced emotional abuse by teaching them practical ways of managing emotions and stress.
TMS’ non-invasive approach can reduce the symptoms of trauma by rebalancing the brain, promoting a more stable mood and better well-being.
Group Therapy
Group therapy for childhood trauma survivors provides a safe space for teens to express how they feel, process their emotions, and realize that they’re not alone in their experiences.
When to Seek Help for Childhood Trauma Effects on Teens
If you or someone you care about is struggling to cope with the effects of childhood trauma, professional mental health support is the best step you can take for your mental health and happiness. Left unprocessed, trauma can affect emotional and physical well-being, damage relationships, and affect your self-esteem. You are not alone in this experience – Mission Prep can help.
Mission Prep’s team of trained professionals offers individualized, effective care for teens who have experienced childhood trauma. We aim to understand each teenager’s needs to provide the best form of treatment for them – in a safe, empathetic way.
Reaching out is the first step towards better health. Contact us today for support and guidance.
References
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
- Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Complex trauma in adolescents and adults: Effects and treatment. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 38(3), 515–527. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Students exposed to trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/trauma
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Effects of trauma on teens. Retrieved from https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/complex-trauma/effects.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Emotional and behavioral effects of trauma in adolescents. Psychological Assessment, 32(8), 719-730. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000215
- Flaherty, E. G., Thompson, R., Dubowitz, H., Harvey, E. M., English, D. J., Everson, M. D., Proctor, L. J., & Runyan, D. K. (2013). Adverse Childhood Experiences and Child Health in Early Adolescence. JAMA Pediatrics, 167(7), 622. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.22
