When we think of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) we often only think about those that have been on the front lines of war. But anyone, including children and teens, can, and do, develop PTSD after a traumatic event.

What Is PTSD?

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Many people go through traumatic events but they don’t get PTSD. For these people they get better with time, help and self-care.

But for some people they will and do get PTSD and the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with their lives. For these people getting effective treatment for PTSD is critical.

What Causes PTSD?

Traumas that might bring on PTSD include the unexpected or violent death and serious harm or threat of death or injury to oneself or a loved one.

Situations that can cause such trauma include:

• Unexpected deaths
• A violent, or threat of, death
• Serious harm or threat of injury to oneself or a loved one
• Violent attacks
• Fire
• Physical or sexual abuse or neglect
• Acts of violence
• Natural or manmade disasters
• Car crashes
• Witnessing another person go through these kinds of traumatic events
• Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness
• Survivor’s guilt (feelings of guilt for having survived an event in which friends or family members died)

The above list is by no means exclusive and PTSD can happen after a single event or repeated exposure to events. I discuss the different types of PTSD and their symptoms  in my blog on PTSD in adults.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of PTSD?

Children with PTSD have symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression that include many of the following:

Intrusive thoughts or memories of the event.

• Flashbacks: Unwanted memories of the event, or feeling like the event is happening again.
• Upsetting dreams or nightmares.
• Increased feelings of being jumpy or on edge, startled, or nervous.
• Children may reenact what happened in their play or drawings.

Avoidance of any reminders of the event.

• Avoiding thinking about or talking about the trauma or person.
• Avoiding activities, places, or people that are reminders of the event such as school, college or a club they would normally attend.
• Being unable to remember important parts of what happened.

Negative thinking or mood since the event happened.

• Lasting worries and beliefs about people and the world being unsafe.
• Blaming themselves for what has happened.
• Lack of interest in participating in regular activities.
• Feelings of anger, shame, fear, or guilt. Children and in particular teens may act out and have impulse control issues.
• Feeling detached or estranged from others around them including their closest friends and may withdraw from family who they were previously close to.
• Unable to have positive emotions (happiness, satisfaction, loving feelings)

Lasting feelings of anxiety or physical reactions.

• Trouble falling or staying asleep.
• Feeling cranky, grouchy, or irritable and could take this out on others.
• Problems paying attention or focusing (brain fog) teacher may bring this to your attention.
• Always being on the lookout for danger (hyper-arousal).
• Easily startled, higher than normal levels of anxiety.

Signs of PTSD in teens are similar to those in adults.

But PTSD in children can look a little different. Younger kids can show more fearful and regressive behaviors. They may reenact the trauma through play.

Don’t be surprised though if older kids/teens also regressive. Any child or teen may want a light on at night, wet the bed, sleep walk, take a teddy to bed, or wander around with it either in their bag at school or in their arms at home. They may not want to leave the house or be fearful when you do.

Symptoms usually begin within the first month after the trauma, but they may not show up until months or even years have passed. These symptoms often continue for years after the trauma if not treated. In some cases they may return later in life if another event triggers memories of the original trauma.

Don’t ignore conversations you have with teachers, friends, and other family members who know your child or teen well. All of these people can play an important role in recognizing PTSD symptoms.

They may not know it is PTSD but they know the child well enough to raise their concerns with you and the child may confide in them first. Don’t feel this is a reflection on you. A child, and in particular a teen, may tell another family member, or teacher, they are close to what is going on because they don’t want to burden you if the event has happened to you also.

Treatment Of PTSD In Children.

It is essential that your child is treated immediately so please don’t wait. Speak to your GP (or main doctor) about referring your child to a psychologist who specializes in treating children.

PTSD does respond very well to therapy. But if left untreated, as I said, can cause longstanding emotional, relationship and academic problems for your child. The difficulties will continue until addressed properly and complications, in terms of mental health, can develop.

Typically treatment for PTSD will be with psychotherapy (talk therapy) but may also include art therapy also. Family therapy may also be required and medication if the child needs it.

Work With Me.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.