How To Help Children And Youth Affected By Shock

Emotional And Psychical Effects Of Accidents, War, Natural Disasters, Abuses Of All Kinds, Beatings

When bad things happen to children & youth, their minds, bodies, emotions and spirits can go into shock, which protects them from dying or going totally crazy. Their muscles tighten up or go limp. Their memory may stop. They may shake and quiver or they may appear as though nothing happened. They may not make eye contact. They may stare off into space blankly. Without sensitive, effective help, patterns of muscular organization caused by shock can cause physical challenges later in life. Unreleased shock can also produce confusing psychological challenges, learning challenges, irrational anger and/or fear, withdrawal, isolation and nightmares. Long forgotten or repressed strong, frightening thoughts and emotions can erupt suddenly from shock–sometimes years or decades later. This can be very frightening and confusing. Children & youth can develop strong fears and angers that are confusing because the memory of the original causes of the shock have been submerged. This is especially true after accidents, abandonments, being beaten, attacked, bitten, sexually abused, raped, incested, abandoned, or being very badly frightened–such as being held down or being unprotected in dangerous situations.