The Impact of ChildHood Trauma pt 1

The Impact of Childhood Trtauma pt 1

According to history Black males are some of the more resilient creatures in the world. He is overrun with mental stress and trauma. He has lived through discriminatory act after discriminatory act and still manages to put a foot forward. He is considered resilient. Nathaniel Jones is no different! Nathaniel was a kid that was put into a bad situation due to a minute association. He was approached during his senior year and high school by some guys that he only slightly knew from school and asked if he could lend them his phone. Not thinking that it was any big deal he lent his phone to the guys, they walked off made a call and brought back his phone. What resulted would follow Nathaniel to this day.

The guys kidnapped and robbed a pizza man, landing everyone including Nathaniel in jail. After months of worry and stress Nathaniel managed to stay out of jail but only after accepting a lesser charge to stay free. A plea deal would not sound so bad to many given the plea rate being upwards of 98% in North Carolina. True indeed, he looked have weathered that storm.

But what of his mental health? What about the health of the black male in general who according to a study done by University of California professor, is killed at 3.49 times the rate of white males; despite being unarmed and less of an imminent threat to officers? Mental health is the state of one’s mental wellbeing pertaining to emotional and psychological health. What happens to one’s mental health when impacted by trauma at an early age?

Studies from The Health Impact of Childhood Trauma: An Interdisciplinary Review, 1997-2003 state that research has shown a strong relationship with childhood trauma and psychological difficulties in later life. Data from Lifestyle Choices and Mental Health: a Representative Population Survey states that outcome variables were likely depression, anxiety, and stress. Nathaniel followed these results to the letter for years. As do many Black males until they reach one of two points. A point where they break down and end up hurt in one form or another. Part one of this Podcast will address the impact of trauma and reaching these two points. The Nathaniel Jones Story (interview) will be posted in the coming week on SayDatShiid.com. Thanks for tuning in.