How Childhood Trauma Affects Mental Health in Adulthood – What Parents Should Know

Why This Topic Matters

Many children around the world grow up in difficult situations—such as neglect, abuse, or family violence. These early experiences are called “childhood trauma.” New research from the University of Leeds shows that childhood trauma doesn’t just affect kids at the time—it can continue to harm their mental health as adults.

At Baumgarten Child & Adolescent Psychology, we want to help families understand how early trauma can shape long-term well-being—and what parents can do now to support their children’s futures.

What the Study Found

Researchers followed more than 270 adults and found that people who had experienced trauma as children were more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and feelings of hopelessness as adults.

The study also showed that these effects were not caused just by the trauma itself—but by how those people reacted to everyday stress. Adults who experienced childhood trauma often felt more overwhelmed by daily problems.

One surprising finding: even people with good family or financial support still experienced these negative effects. This means trauma has a deep and lasting influence, even when life looks “stable” from the outside.

What Is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma includes many types of painful experiences, such as:

• Emotional abuse (being ignored, insulted, or rejected)

• Physical abuse (being hit or hurt)

• Sexual abuse

• Growing up with domestic violence

• Having a parent with addiction or mental illness

• Losing a parent through death, divorce, or separation

• Living in poverty or dangerous conditions

Even one or two of these experiences can have long-term effects on a child’s brain and emotions.

How Trauma Affects the Brain

Children’s brains are still developing. When a child grows up in fear or stress, their brain learns to always be on alert. Over time, this can lead to problems such as:

• Constant worry or fear

• Overreacting to small problems

• Trouble calming down

• Low self-esteem

• Difficulty in relationships

  
  

These patterns can continue into adulthood, making it harder to handle life’s normal ups and downs.

There Is Hope: Healing Is Possible

The good news is that change is possible. Children—and adults—can learn new ways to cope with stress and build emotional strength.

At Baumgarten Child & Adolescent Psychology, we help children and families:

• Understand and talk about their feelings

• Build strong coping and communication skills

• Learn how to stay calm in stressful moments

• Feel safe, supported, and connected

Therapy gives children the tools they need to heal from trauma and move forward with confidence.

What Parents Can Do Now

No matter where you live or what language you speak, there are simple, powerful ways to help your child feel safe and supported:

1. Listen with patience

   Let your child talk about their feelings—even small things matter.

   
   

2. Notice signs of stress

   These can include sleep problems, anger, fear, or becoming very quiet.

   
   

3. Practice calming routines

   Daily structure, bedtime routines, deep breathing, and quiet time all help reduce stress.

   
   

4. Seek help early

   Don’t wait. Talking with a mental health professional can prevent problems from growing worse.

   
   

5. Care for yourself, too

   If you had a difficult childhood, getting help for yourself can also support your child’s healing.

Final Thoughts

Childhood trauma can leave deep marks—but it does not have to define your child’s future. With the right support, children can recover, grow stronger, and lead healthy, happy lives.

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior, emotions, or past experiences, the team at Baumgarten Child & Adolescent Psychology is here to help. We welcome families from all backgrounds and cultures.

Please reach out. You are not alone.