Brain Development & Trauma
Many people do not realize that damage to the brain can result from trauma. Even when the victim appears to be physically fine, with no bruises, broken bones, or cuts, there can still be real harm done. This is especially true for children, whose brains are still developing and are strongly affected by severe stress. Trauma, whether it is physical or psychological, sends a flood of stress hormones throughout the brain that can interfere with the brain’s normal functioning. And when trauma is experienced repeatedly, it has even greater potential to hurt the child’s brain.
From conception to early adulthood, the brain is “experience-dependent”, which means everything experienced in this first phase of life affects brain development. Nurturing, supportive environments strengthen the brain systems responsible for thinking and regulating emotions. Stressful or traumatic experiences, however, can cause problems in learning, impulse-control, decision-making, and planning for the future. Trauma can disrupt the ability of the brain to mature properly, which increases the risk for a host of mental and behavioral health problems.
Great link for brain development and trauma: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources
