Early life trauma​

Chronic exposure to traumatic events during childhood can lead to early life trauma, also known as developmental or complex trauma. These experiences can significantly impact a child’s development and continue to affect emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing into adulthood. However, while significant, early life trauma is a manageable condition.

Causes of early life trauma

Early life trauma often results from prolonged or repeated exposure to adverse childhood experiences, such as:

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Emotional or physical neglect
  • Domestic violence
  • Substance abuse or mental illness in the household
  • Separation from a primary caregiver
  • Chronic illness or invasive medical procedures, and
  • Instability due to war or displacement.

Get help for early life trauma.

Recognising the symptoms, understanding the causes and finding the support you need can help you lead a brighter and more rewarding life.

Contact us today to learn more about how Avive can help you manage the impact of early life trauma and improve your life.

Symptoms of early life trauma

Symptoms of early life trauma can vary but often include:

  • emotional dysregulation: difficulty managing emotions, frequent mood swings, and extreme emotional responses
  • attachment issues: trouble forming healthy relationships, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting others
  • behavioural problems: aggression, impulsivity, self-harm, or substance abuse
  • cognitive impairment: problems with attention, learning difficulties and memory issues
  • physical health issues: chronic health problems, sleep disturbances and heightened stress response, and
  • low self-esteem: persistent feelings of worthlessness, shame or guilt.


Long-term effects

If untreated, early life trauma can lead to long-term effects such as:

  • mental health disorders: increased risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD and personality disorders
  • interpersonal problems: difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and increased risk of abusive relationships
  • substance abuse: higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders as a coping mechanism, and
  • physical health issues: greater risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

How can Avive help?

Avive provides integrated mental health care designed for early life trauma – compassionate, trauma-informed and clinically led.

  • Comprehensive assessment – psychiatric review, medication reconciliation and deprescribing plans, physical and cognitive screening, and risk assessment
  • Foundations inpatient care – usually a 21-day stay to stabilise mood, optimise medications, improve sleep and energy, and build practical coping skills
  • Day programs – 8–12 weeks, small-group therapy one half-day per week to consolidate skills and maintain progress after discharge
  • Assisted therapies – where clinically appropriate, we consider additional therapies within our evidence-informed framework and after specialist review
  • Cloud Clinic telehealth – psychiatry and psychology appointments for those who prefer or require remote care, including regional and carer-constrained patients
  • Family and carer involvement – education and care planning sessions to support recovery at home, with consent.


Admissions, costs and referrals

  • Private health insurance – if you hold hospital cover, your fund may cover most inpatient costs.
  • Mental Health Waiver – for eligible patients upgrading cover, a once-in-a-lifetime psychiatric waiting period waiver may apply.
  • DVA – we welcome DVA Gold/White Card holders.
  • Self-funding – options are available.

Our team can check eligibility and guide you through next steps. Contact us on 1800 284 830 or by emailing help@avivehealth.com.au

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