Trauma

Childhood depression often begins after a trauma.  This post will be about the signs of trauma in a child.  Children, especially young children; can have a hard time identifying, explaining or understanding their emotions.  It’s very important for parents and anyone who knows or works with children to understand some of the signs of childhood trauma because children may not be able to express their fear and pain without help.  

 

A child who is having emotional issues related to a trauma may have recurring bad dreams about the trauma or can have bad dreams about monsters in general; under the bed, in the closet or chasing them.  Children may dream about a threat to themselves or others.  They may dream about rescuing someone they love from a threat or a monster.  Not every dream about monsters is a sign of trauma but if your child dreams about monsters often you may want to take notice.

 

Children who have experienced a trauma may become more high strung and jumpy.  They may startle more easily.  They may seem worried.  They may feel constantly afraid and constantly on guard so nothing can hurt them.    

 

Traumatized children may become more agitated or irritable than they were before.  They can feel guilt, anxiety, shame, anger, hopelessness and depression.  They may feel like they are bad or damaged and like they’ll never be normal.  They may feel like they are different and will always be different. 

 

After experiencing a trauma, a child can become socially or emotionally withdrawn.  They may not want to play with or interact with other children or family.  They may not want to talk much or give hugs and kisses.  They can become distant and may isolate themselves from others.

 

Children who’ve suffered a trauma may become more impulsive and irresponsible.  They may take more risks and do things that are dangerous or can cause them harm.  After a trauma a child may not care about consequences. 

 

A child may avoid situations or people who remind them of the trauma.  A child may avoid thinking about the trauma.  This can include having amnesia of part of the trauma.   

 

Children who are having emotional problems because of a trauma may re-live the trauma during play.  They may crash their cars together and talk about getting killed.  If they play with dolls, they may have one doll hurt or touch the other doll.  They may set up their toys then knock them all down, saying there was a tornado or flood.  If you are concerned, watch them play and have them tell you what their toys are doing or saying.

 

Traumatized children may have more physical health problems.  They may complain of stomachaches, headaches, nausea or other physical illnesses.  Like I said when I wrote about the symptoms of depression, a child may have more jaw pain or earaches.    

 

Children who’ve experienced a trauma may have a harder time making new friends.  The friendships and family relationships they already have may suffer because the child doesn’t want to interact with anyone.

 

Traumatized children may think they’ll never have a normal life.  They may think they will never grow up.  If a child has experienced several traumas, they may think life will always be bad or that their traumas are somehow normal. 

 

Some traumatized children may want to hide their trauma from their parents but with help from a therapist a child can come to terms with their fear and pain.             

 

How do you talk to your children about the bad things that can happen without scaring them? 

Do you think schools should assess children for traumatic experiences?  I welcome any comments.  I just ask that you be respectful.