Chinwag #05 Scatolia & Childhood Trauma, with Bianca Raby

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we explore the various aspects of living a fulfilling life. In this episode, host Martin O'Toole speaks with ⁠Bianca Raby⁠, a former teacher and education expert, about a surprisingly common childhood behavioural problem known as scatolia or "Poo art."

Before we dive into the episode, let's discuss childhood trauma and its symptoms, including scatolia. Childhood trauma refers to any experience that causes physical or emotional harm to a child. Trauma can lead to various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, aggression, and self-harm. Scatolia is a type of self-harm that involves smearing or playing with faeces. It can be a sign of trauma or other underlying issues and should be addressed by a medical professional.

Returning to our episode, Martin and Bianca discuss Martin's childhood experience with scatolia and how it affected him. They explore the underlying causes of this behaviour and how it relates to childhood trauma. Bianca offers insights into how teachers and parents can support children dealing with trauma and other behavioural issues.

The conversation also touches on the importance of grounding techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, for individuals dealing with trauma or mental health challenges. Martin and Bianca offer practical tips for incorporating these practices into daily life, and how they can help individuals feel more present and connected to their surroundings.

So, whether you're a parent dealing with a child's behavioural issues or struggling with your own mental health challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies for navigating these difficult situations. And, as Martin mentions, if you have any recollections of your own rectal digging or poo art, you may find some humour and relatability in this episode. But, as always, the conversation goes deeper than the surface-level topic, exploring the complexities of childhood trauma and mental health.