Trauma in Children: Trauma Symptoms, Support & Therapy in York, Manchester & online.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a significant event which poses as a threat or causes harm. This can come from a single or evet or be the result of multiple events over time. Traumatic experiences can trigger strong physical reactions or emotions which can continue to affect your child or teenager long after the event itself.

Whilst resilient, children and teenagers are more vulnerable to being traumatised by accidents, such as terrorist attacks, global pandemics, violent crime, or other disasters. These events can undermine their sense of security in the world, making them feel vulnerable or helpless. Your child or teenager will also be affected by a rollercoaster of confusing, intense, and scary emotions, which may disappear over time as they process their experience.

 

Symptoms of Trauma

If your child or teenager’s behaviour seems unusual, irrational or even extreme then they may be experiencing a trauma trigger. Triggers are when an aspect of a traumatic event happens in a new situation but reminds them of the original event. This can include smells, sounds, emotions, places, voices and more.

Signs of trauma will vary in each child or teenager and can also change by age, but you may notice the following signs:

Clinginess

Difficulty paying attention

Becoming withdrawn

Changes in school performance

Getting into trouble at school

Recurring nightmares

Headaches or stomach aches with no cause

Talking back

Risky behaviours

Fighting

Wanting to be left alone.

 

How to deal with Trauma

Although the effects of trauma can be serious and sometimes require professional help, there are things you can do to support your child or teenager who may be experiencing this.

Identify the trauma triggers and help your child avoid these situations

Listen and let them know you are there for them, reassure them that what happened wasn’t their fault

Respond rather than react, try to keep calm, lower your voice, and acknowledge their feelings

Encourage self-esteem through positive experiences

Develop a routine, be constant and predictable and prepare your child or teenager for any changes in advance.

 

When to seek help for Trauma

If your child is struggling with the effects of trauma for an ongoing period of time or if they are getting worse, it is time to ask for help.

We understand seeking therapy can be daunting for both you and your child and that taking the first step can be hard. We have a team of professional and friendly child therapists who can work together with you and your child to design a bespoke and flexible treatment which works best for them. Our children’s therapy services are available for children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.

Please get in touch using the form below to find out more about how we can help.