Assisting young people scarred by traumatic experiences should be the primary concern both of NGOs and governments. A trauma in a childhood or adolescence, even if the source is abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or instability, can significantly influence a person’s mental health, physical health, social skills, and the range of their future possibilities. In fact, the matter is too important to be overlooked.
Most of the times trauma in youth can be traced back to what experts term “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs). Such experiences include abuse of physical, emotional or sexual nature, neglect, exposure to violence, growing up in a household with drug/alcohol abuse or a member suffering from a mental disorder, parental separation, and other types of dysfunction in the family.
Without a doubt, ACEs are not limited to a handful of cases. In fact, a majority of children worldwide experience at least one such event, and some even go through several, before becoming adults.
Such childhood traumas should be taken very seriously. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents aged 10–19 is about one in seven (approximately 14.3%) worldwide.
In fact, what the above statistics point to is that a large share of the young generation is still burdened with deep emotional wounds dating back to their early years of life, which, if not taken care of, will likely accompany them in their adult years.
The long-term consequences of unacknowledged trauma
If a young person’s trauma is not recognized or helped, the result can be very serious. The research shows that ACEs greatly increase the risk of developing various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
In addition to this, trauma can interfere with the development of social skills, affect the person’s self-esteem, and eventually result in the use of destructive coping strategies: social withdrawal, substance use, self-harm, or aggressive behavior.
Driven by the trauma, a child or adolescent might grow up to be an adult who will find it difficult to establish emotional bonds, maintain stable jobs, take care of their physical health, and have a general lack of the ability to thrive.
Moreover, the social cost that comes along with this problem is significant. When there are many youths who lack access to adequate services, society loses the potential of an entire generation. Public resources for healthcare, social support, or even criminal justice may become overburdened.
Why NGOs and governments should intervene
- Youth trauma is everywhere — just collective efforts can bring a change
Since ACEs and childhood trauma happen everywhere around the globe, the question of whether isolated or individual efforts are enough does not arise. Only a coordinated strategy can guarantee that the support will be available to those who really need it the most: children who live in unstable or unsafe homes; youth from marginalized communities; those who have been victims of violence and poverty or are affected by war.
- Intervening early changes the results
According to the research, support coming from family, school, peers, or the community can put off the occurrence of mental health symptoms after trauma. When NGOs and governments offer trauma-informed care, mental health services, or community programs, they essentially provide the youth with the means to work through their trauma and acquire the necessary skills to withstand it, thereby preventing the problem from escalating further.
- Local and peer support programs can make a difference
If community-based programs, especially those that are backed by trauma care practices, have been proven to be a powerful tool to open the mental health door of youth and eliminate anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, peer support programs give young people a safe environment where they can share, heal, and connect, without the stigma, and thus, these programs sometimes fill the gap during crises or when formal mental health services are not accessible.
- Saving individuals and society from long-term costs
By dealing with trauma at an early stage, governments and NGOs can effectively lessen the burdens that will come later: costs of healthcare, social welfare, loss of productivity, crime, and continuation of the trauma cycle over generations.
How therapeutic youth trauma support might be
- Trauma-informed mental health services: Counseling, therapy, and psychosocial support that are sensitive to the needs of youth. Therapy should not only focus on alleviating the symptoms but also acknowledge the past trauma and guide the youth in regaining trust, safety, and stability.
- Peer support and community programs: In most cases, youth accept support from the fellow experiencers more than from others. The programs should also be open to everyone and be culturally appropriate.
- Prevention and awareness: Providing knowledge to parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders about the dangers of ACEs and how to build protective environments.
- Safe spaces after crises: Whether it is a consequence of natural disasters, violence, displacement, or family breakdown, youth are in need of places where they feel secure and supported.
- Policy and systemic support: The governments must not leave the youth mental health and trauma support as an option or fragmented but rather integrate it into the public health, education, child protection, and social welfare systems.
Why it should be of concern right now
The youth are under an increasing number of pressures. Among the factors responsible for this are economic instability, social disruption, conflict, climate change, migration, and the digital world, each of which adds another layer of uncertainty and risk. In particular, many young people, especially those living in marginalized or disadvantaged communities, are exposed to multiple risk factors. Hence, trauma support is not just a matter of choice, but of urgency.
Deferring the intervention is equivalent to admitting a future in which a growing number of individuals would suffer from mental illnesses, be socially excluded and have fewer opportunities for life. Such a result would be detrimental not only to the individuals but also to their families and societies.
Conclusion
The trauma that the youth have gone through is frequently invisible. The emotional scars may not always be evident, but the effects may last the entire lifespan. NGOs and governments, by prioritizing youth trauma support, are actually providing young people with the opportunity to recover, develop, and realize their potentials.
Support is not a sign of weakness or pity. It is an indication of respect, dignity, care, and the belief that every young person, no matter his/her background or trauma, is entitled to a healthy and satisfying life.
Putting resources into youth trauma support is not charity. It is one of the most important investments in humanity, community, and the generations to come.
