Unexpected consequences of childhood: Are the causes of your problems hidden in the past?

Early childhood lays the foundation for our feelings and reactions later in life. Mental health is not something that becomes important only in adulthood, as it is built from the earliest moments of life. From how we manage stress to how we face challenges. Everything is deeply connected to the environment in which we grew up.

How does early childhood shape us?

Early childhood is a sensitive period, when brain development is at its peak, which means this is a time of both opportunity and vulnerability. How did your caregivers react when you were upset? Did you receive comfort and support, or were there restrictions on expressing emotions? How have these experiences affected your understanding of mental and emotional health? Etc. These are all important questions, and the answers to them can be found in early childhood.

Research confirms the link between early experiences and long-term well-being. A recent study found that negative childhood experiences such as neglect or trauma significantly increase the likelihood of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety in adulthood (Tzouvara et al., 2023). But it is not just a matter of avoiding negative experiences. Positive interactions—such as reading with a parent, comforting when distressed, and exploring safely—help the brain form a more resilient personality.

And not only early childhood, the formation of our understanding of the world begins already in the womb. Studies have shown that high levels of stress during pregnancy can affect a child's emotional development, increasing susceptibility to anxiety and emotional dysregulation later in life (Jagtap et al., 2023).

So is everything already decided?

Far from it! Early childhood has a significant impact on us and our personality, feelings, but the path to mental well-being does not end in childhood. It is an integrated process throughout life. Personal development involves continually working on habits that improve emotional and mental well-being. A good example is mindfulness practices – daily meditation or practicing gratitude. These can gradually reprogram the brain for better emotional balance, which improves overall mental health.