Childhood Trauma

Invisible suffering may not receive the recognition or accommodation that visible disability does. Accommodative esotropia is described as one eye crossing while trying to see clearly. Bullying, athletic failure, parental divorce at age 5, and a toxic peer group were four compounding trauma sources that shaped Doug's trajectory toward addiction. In England and Wales, approximately 20% of adults report experiencing at least one form of child abuse by age 16. Up to one billion children aged 2–17 experience physical, sexual or emotional violence or neglect each year globally. Doug's marijuana use at age 14 provided immediate relief from anxiety generated by years of accumulated trauma. People without an established personal identity adopt the identity of their environment, and if that environment normalizes destructive behavior, destruction becomes the standard. The crossed or lazy eye memory became a source of shame and self-consciousness. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, cultural background, geographic location and exposure to conflict or displacement can influence both the likelihood and nature of traumatic experiences. The risk of poor adult mental health from childhood trauma ge…