In 2015, Nadine Burke Harris spoke at TEDMED about an exposure that creates a 20-year difference in life expectancy. This isn’t an exposure to a harsh chemical or toxic substance — it’s childhood trauma. She asks the important question of “how childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime”.

Those who experienced traumatic events as a child, such as emotional or physical abuse, death of a loved one, neglect, or a parent struggling with mental health.

Watch the TED Talk here. Do these feelings resonate with you?

After realizing that many child clients she was seeing had experienced deep trauma, Burke Harris read up on exposure to adversity, and how that affects the developing brains and bodies of children.

If you experienced trauma as a child, and are finding it difficult to function now, as an adult, in your daily life, it could be time to reach out for professional help.

You are not alone, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. As we can see in the video above, childhood trauma has a physical impact on your nervous system, brain function, and more. This isn’t your fault, and you deserve the proper care and treatment it takes to live a full, and happy life.

Victoria Joseph offers effective, compassionate online therapy for English-speaking African’s around the world.

If you need help, fill out a contact form and begin the journey of recovery today. Help is available.