Holistic Perspectives on Trauma PDF

INTRODUCTION

Children with a history of significant neglect and/or physical, sexual, and/ or emotional abuse are at higher risk for developing long-term emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns, which have implications past childhood and into adulthood. Early trauma impacts individuals' health in ways that reach far past the obvious and immediate damage. It correlates with higher incidences of various mental health disorders, it can alter brain structures, and it can make individuals more susceptible to a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, fybromyalgia, and diabetes, among others.

Understanding the long-term effects of childhood trauma is now integral to the daily clinical practice of professionals from many fi elds, including educators, social workers, mental health professionals, family and substance abuse counselors, police, caregivers, and criminal justice service providers. The boundary lines between the social worker's realm and that of other professionals are blurred or nonexistent.

Given the prevalence of childhood trauma, all professionals working with children should consider:

• Gathering a focused history of potential exposure to neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
• The potential risk factor of childhood abuse/neglect for later behavioral emotional/behavioral/mental health concerns.

The research collected in this compendium offers vital guideposts to professionals across a wide spectrum of disciplines. It provides a foundation for ongoing research into this area of study, so vital for the wellbeing of our children and their future. Furthermore, with greater understanding of the connections between trauma and health, we can build more effective cross-disciplinary intervention strategies.