As a parent, it’s important to know how trauma affects the brain in children. If you’re raising a child in foster care or have an adopted child, these kids have been through traumatic situations — but they aren’t the only ones.
In today’s world, kids are exposed to trauma at a very young age. It can happen in our homes, at our schools or on the news. Read on to learn about the effects of trauma on the brain and how we can support our children who have been exposed to traumatic situations.
What is trauma?
Trauma can be described as the aftermath of a deeply distressing event or circumstance that can lead to a person becoming fearful, anxious or overwhelmed.
How does trauma affect us?
When it comes to coping with challenges in daily life and processing emotions, trauma can also have negative physical impacts on the brain and body. Here’s how trauma affects the brain and body.
Effects of Trauma on the Brain
The brain is a complex organ made up of many parts, one of them being the amygdala. After trauma is experienced, this part of the brain begins to overwork and go into “survival mode,” which can cause us to experience more anxiety or stress.
The part of the brain used for regulating emotions and retrieving memory is also negatively affected when trauma has played a part in someone’s life. Even traumatic events can seem fragmented due to memory loss.
How Trauma Affects the Body
When we experience trauma, our body has a stress response — which means we have higher cortisol levels and more adrenaline present. As a result, the body can experience the following when we encounter trauma:
- sweating
- hypotension
- higher blood pressure
- an increased heart rate
- cardiovascular problems
- gastrointestinal problems
How to Reduce the Impact of Trauma on the Brain
Although the impact of trauma on the brain can seem overwhelming and a bit daunting to try to counteract, here are a few steps you can implement to reduce its effects and strengthen your child’s resilience:
- Create a safe and open environment where children feel safe and supported.
- Encourage your children to have open communication and express their feelings.
- Seeing a trauma-informed therapist helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Establish daily routines.
- Promote self-care.
- Speak real, lasting hope into your child’s hurting hearts using the HopeConnectTM Everyday Moments activities
KEY TAKEAWAY
When caring for kids who have experienced trauma or toxic stress, it’s important to remember that the healing process takes time. Take each day as it comes and be patient with yourself and your children. The path of helping children heal is both a messy yet beautifully redemptive journey. Be kind to yourself in this process.
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security…’” ~Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
APPLICATION
When processing big emotions, it can be easy for kids to forget just how special they are to God. Remind your children about their incredible design by playing YOU-nique! during your morning or evening routine.
Find it now in the Everyday MomentsTM activities collection!
