ABC Radio

All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Childhood trauma and the brain

Childhood trauma and the brain

Sunday 24th November 2019

Discover how childhood trauma affects brain development and mental health, with insights from Dr. Gustavo Turecki and a Melbourne intervention program.
29 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate

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All In The Mind
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ABC Radio
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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The Lifelong Impact of Childhood Trauma on the Brain

So what we think is that with the traumatic early on experiences, this adaptation, so to speak, later on becomes maladaptive and leads to some of the problems or factors that increase risk for suicide.
Childhood experiences leave a lasting imprint on our brains, shaping who we become. In this episode of 'All In The Mind', Canadian psychiatrist Dr. Gustavo Turecki dives into the profound effects of childhood trauma on brain development and mental health. Dr. Turecki, a leading expert at McGill University, sheds light on how early adverse experiences can lead to changes in our brain's wiring, potentially increasing the risk of mental health issues like depression and suicide.
He delves into the science of epigenetics, explaining how trauma can switch certain genes on or off, influencing our emotional and behavioral responses throughout life. But it's not all doom and gloom. The episode also highlights a promising intervention program in Melbourne called Kids First. This initiative creates a nurturing environment for vulnerable children, offering them the care and attention they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
By providing a supportive space, Kids First aims to counteract the negative effects of early trauma, helping children develop healthier coping mechanisms and better educational outcomes. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone interested in the workings of the human mind, this episode offers valuable insights into how early experiences shape our mental health. It's a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity.