Children and Trauma
Reactions from children to traumatic events depend on their age and level of development. A child’s reaction to trauma can be that of helplessness, fear that extends beyond the traumatic event, anxiety or their reactions may be physical.
It is important to allow children to express themselves in a healthy manner and to provide a way for the child to talk to a trained professional to help them understand what has happened to them and why they are having feelings and emotions that they did not have before the traumatic event. You may want to notify their school administrator and alert them to what has happened.
Talk to your advocate or an advocate through your local Victim Service Program and ask how you can receive financial assistance with counseling /therapy expenses by submitting a claim for those costs to the Victims Compensation Assistance Program.
Signs of Traumatic Stress in Kids
The signs of traumatic stress may be different in each child. Young children may react differently than older children.
- Fear being separated from their parent/caregiver
- Cry or scream a lot
- Eat poorly or lose weight
- Have nightmares
- Become anxious or fearful
- Feel guilt or shame
- Have a hard time concentrating
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Feel depressed or alone
- Develop eating disorders or self-harming behaviors
- Begin abusing alcohol or drugs
- Become involved in risky sexual behavior
As a caring adult and/or family member, you play an important role.
- Assure the child that he or she is safe.
- Explain that he or she is not responsible. Children often blame themselves for events that are completely out of their control.
- Be patient. Some children will recover quickly while others recover more slowly. Reassure them that they do not need to feel guilty or bad about any feelings or thoughts.
- Seek the help of a trained professional. When needed, a mental health professional trained in evidence-based trauma treatment can help children and families cope and move toward recovery. Ask your pediatrician, family physician, school counselor, or clergy member for a referral.