Trauma Affects Our Mental Health

When it comes to trauma, whether remote or current, it will impact on our mental health unless processed with the right providers at the right time, using techniques which are unique to each person.  Past traumas can often cause depression, anxiety, behavioural issues such as regression (bed wetting, baby talk, extreme clinginess and tantrums), learning difficulties and emotional dysregulation. 

On a pathophysiological leave, trauma can disrupt the development of our brain such as negatively affecting executive functioning which is like the air traffic controller of the brain. Executive functioning is responsible for decision making, problem solving, focus, attention and managing emotions.

Long term effects of trauma on our physical health include numerous chronic issues such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and addiction to various substances.

What Can We Do About Past Trauma?

After a trauma, our children need our support and comfort more than ever. 

1. Spend time with your child and do things that are relaxing or fun. Draw, play or cook with them every day, even if it’s for 10 minutes.
2. Validate their feelings no matter how big or difficult to discuss. Remember tantrums post-trauma is biology so be patient. 
3. Connect with your child by hugging them, holding them and provide positive affirmations of love. 
4. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is great for children post-trauma. It can include play therapy, learning activities and various types of trauma therapy such as brain spotting and EMDR.
5. Play therapy is highly effective for treating trauma in children. It allows children to process difficult emotions, memories and behaviours. Play therapy allows a child to regain a sense of safety, control and emotional regulation. 

It is never too late to work on past trauma. Whether it has been a year or a decade, we can improve our physical and mental health while working through past traumas.

 

Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.