Childhood trauma is a type of adversity that can have harmful, long-lasting effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Trauma can occur when a child experiences an event or series of events that threaten their sense of safety and security. It’s no secret that childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on mental and emotional health. While some children can recover from trauma with the support of their families and community, others may develop problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.

Research has shown that experiencing childhood trauma can increase the risk of burnout later in life. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or chronic stress. It can lead to feelings of cynicism, detachment, self-doubt, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. If left untreated, burnout can have severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Studies have shown that adults who experienced childhood trauma are more likely to experience chronic diseases.

Trauma can also affect how we respond to stressors being placed on us as adults. We may find it more challenging to cope with everyday challenges or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse. However, it is essential to remember that we can heal from childhood trauma.

Childhood trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on our lives. It can alter how we respond to stress and increase our risk of experiencing burnout in adulthood. But why does this occur?
There are several possible explanations. One is that childhood trauma can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain. This can impact how we process and respond to stress, making us more likely to experience burnout. Another possibility is that childhood trauma can alter our stress hormone levels, making us more susceptible to the adverse effects of stress. Finally, it’s also possible that childhood trauma can lead to changes in our immune system, making us more vulnerable to burnout’s physical and psychological symptoms.


People who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in adulthood. They are also at greater risk of developing chronic physical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. childhood trauma can also lead to what is known as “burnout.” This is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from chronic stress. When we are constantly on high alert, our bodies become overwhelmed and stop functioning correctly. Chronic stress can lead to many problems, including fatigue, insomnia, and impaired immunity.


Childhood trauma is a well-studied connection to burnout later in life. A wholistic approach to burnout is needed, and, to honestly look at the root causes, one has to look at the root causes. Early childhood experiences have a profound impact on society, and there need to be policies in place to support our future- our young growing children and the families in which they need to thrive in. by supporting families and providing resources for childhood development, we can prevent burnout before it starts. In addition, policies that invest in childhood development are an investment in our future.

Author(s)

  • Dr. Tomi Mitchell

    M.D | Leadership Coach| Wellness & Productivity Coach

    Dr. Tomi Mitchell Holistic Wellness Strategies

    Dr. Tomi Mitchell, MD, empowers executives, lawyers, doctors, business owners, and other leaders to eliminate burnout and increase workplace productivity and relationships.  She uses her three-step framework, Embrace, Evaluate & Energize, to empower her clients to have clarity. 

    As a public speaker and trainer, she brings energy to the crowd, captures their attention, and gives them clear, actionable steps to apply immediately to their life. Dr. Tomi Mitchell believes in getting to the root causes of life's challenges, instead of taking a temporary BandAid approach to life. She is a writer, with a book coming out in Summer 2023. She is also the host of The Mental Health & Wellness Show.  To learn more about her framework, check out the following link: Learn More.