Children have limited coping skills at the age of five and below; hence, they highly rely on their caregivers. As a result, children may be highly exposed to traumatic stress, resulting in childhood trauma and adverse life event experienced by children. Numerous kids start experiencing childhood trauma from birth. Arguably, children negligence or abuse is one of the most common traumatic events affecting most children in modern society. Such events can affect a kid's mental and physical health and result in long-term consequences that may interfere with their social behaviors and daily lives. Additionally, the affected child may develop poor eating habits, experience increased irritability, poor concentration, and lose interest in play. Family support is one of the most effective treatments for trauma in children. Other ways to help abused or neglected children include cognitive processing therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. Encouraging words or relevant Bible scriptures are also essential for abused and neglected kids.
Signs and Behaviors Indicating Trauma in Children
Childhood trauma should be treated at an early age to prevent severe consequences. In most cases, children who experience abuse or negligence may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to mental illness. According to Mayo Clinic (2018), a wide range of mental health conditions affects the victim's mood, thinking, and behaviors.
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Increased irritability is another consequence of childhood trauma. Child abuse or negligence results in stress, leading to anger or frustration feelings even over minor issues. Irritability may lead to sudden behavior change, confusion, and poor concentration in adults and children (Buss et al., 2015). Since this condition makes the victim feel frustrated most of the time, it is most likely to affect children's social lives. As a result, a child may lose interest in play. Subsequently, childhood trauma should be treated early to avoid such adverse long-term consequences.
Treatment for Trauma in Children
Early treatment helps decrease the trauma impacts and symptoms, develop coping strategies, and identify the trauma triggers. One way of treating this issue has a safe and supportive environment. When trauma childhood victims get support from family members, they are likely to overcome depression and stress they might be suffering from, hence reducing the trauma symptoms ("Integrative treatment of complex trauma for adolescents," 2018).
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy is one of the crucial cognitive behavioral therapy subtypes, vital for treating trauma. In most cases, CPT is used to address the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. For effective treatment, the victim should take at least 12 sessions of CPT, which involves teachings regarding emotions and thoughts (Buss et al., 2015). Additionally, this education should be followed by skill development process to identify and eradicate unhelpful thinking associated to traumatic events.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is another evidence-based model that combines trauma-sensitive interferences with humanistic principles, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and a supportive environment, which relies on the participation of caregivers. This treatment is effective for adolescents, teens, and children experiencing significant emotional issues from a traumatic event ("Integrative treatment of complex trauma for adolescents," 2018). It should take approximately 12 to 15 sessions for effective treatment.
Play Therapy
Play therapy assist children in identifying and addressing trauma. The treatment is more effective for children aged 3 to 12. During the treatment sessions, the therapist should observe the child through play ("Integrative treatment of complex trauma for adolescents," 2018). Besides, age-appropriate behaviors are vital in addressing trauma and developing coping strategies.
A Bible Verse to Encourage the Victims
Apart from the treatment, praying to God for help is a vital part of treatment as well. The Bible says that when the righteous ask for help from the Lord, He hears and delivers them from their troubles. It further states the Lord is always closer to the brokenhearted, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34: 17-18). Therefore, we should always ask for help from God to help us overcome our challenges.
Conclusion
Children negligence or abuse is a common traumatic event in modern society. Most children are affected by this event, resulting in long-term consequences. Some of the outcomes in question include stress and depression, which cause further problems such as eating disorder, poor concentration, lack of interest in play, and increased irritability. Subsequently, trauma treatment is vital in minimizing trauma signs and symptoms. Some of the effective treatment measures are trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and play therapy.
References
Buss, K. E., Warren, J. M., & Horton, E. (2015). Trauma and treatment in early childhood: A review of the historical and emerging literature for counselors. The Professional Counselor , 5 (2), 225-237. https://doi.org/10.15241/keb.5.2.225
Integrative treatment of complex trauma for adolescents . (2018, May 3). The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://www.nctsn.org/interventions/integrative-treatment-complex-trauma-adolescents
Mayo clinic. (2018, February 3). Depression (major depressive disorder) - Symptoms and causes . Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
The Bible. KJV version.
