How To Help Children And Youth With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Consequences Of Shock And Trauma
PTSD is the name given to what happens to the mind, body, emotions and spirit of people and animals who have been under prolonged stress or who have experienced horrific experiences–even once. Without sensitive support, children & youth can suffer challenges in living, learning and growing up. Children & youth’s bodies, minds, emotions and spirits protect the life of the child or youth by shutting down emotionally/intellectually, or becoming hyper-vigilant. Too often adults do not want to consider that the child or youth is suffering. This results in not noticing that the child or youth is changed–either by becoming shy and withdrawn or very aggressively moody. Memory can also be effected. With sensitive help and patience, children & youth who are well loved, supported and accepted can recover more rapidly from a traumatic experience. In addition, such recovered children & youth gain new strengths and skills.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Pets • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Long Walks/Hikes • Nature • Wholesome Pleasures • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food |
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For Parents: • Early, sensitive care can really help the child or youth for the rest of their lives. • They need your faith, hope and willingness to stand by them. • Protect your child or youth from your worry. They have enough on their minds. • Develop and express compassion. • Get help yourself so you can give the child or youth emotional, social, spiritual support. • Acknowledge the child or youth’s strengths, especially to yourself. |
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Check out: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus; www.acestudy.org/; www.traumasoma.com/index.shtml (very technical). |