Traumatic Stress in Children

 

Children are not impervious to the effects of trauma, but those effects may look different in a child than in a fully-grown adult.

It's important to know how to recognize the different signs of trauma in a child following an impactful event, such as a move or a death in the family.

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, children who are experiencing a trauma response may:

⭐️ Fear separation from parents or caregivers
⭐️ Be colicky or throw tantrums
⭐️ Eat less and/or lose weight
⭐️ Have nightmares or fail to sleep through the night
⭐️ Exhibit sexualized or developmentally inappropriate behavior
⭐️ Regress to an earlier stage of development

It is essential to recognize the signs of traumatic stress in children, since trauma is a risk factor for nearly every mental health disorder.

If you recognize these behaviors in your child following a traumatic event, contact a skilled mental healthcare provider who specializes in treating children and families, such as Life by Design Therapy.

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/childtherapy