How To Help Children And Youth With Trauma
Emotional And Physical Effects Of Accidents, War, Natural Disasters, Abuses Of All Kinds
One of the hardest things in the world is being with children or youth who are suffering after they live through traumatic events– accidents, deaths, war, natural disasters, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, intellectual abuse. Witnessing any these can be very traumatic as well. The effects can be physical or emotional or social or all of the above. Having unexplained physical pain, being withdrawn, depressed, moody, anxious, tense, easily startled, explosive, highly emotional, or seemingly disconnected are all very common. Some children & youth recover quickly. Others do not.
Without careful help, the effects of trauma on children & youth can last all their lives and can hold them back from being all they could have been. Giving support to traumatized children & youth is a very delicate task. The effects of trauma are very complicated, physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually, regardless of what kind of trauma the child/teen has suffered. Trust that children/teens are very resilient if treated with skill. (See Shock.)
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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 • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
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For Parents: • Get skilled help as soon as possible. It is important to offer opportunities to participate in regular routines of life. • Give the child or youth the space and time to feel whatever they are feeling. • It is also helpful to let them know they are loved and that you have faith they will get through the panic. Get into a local support group for yourself. • Calm, regular, predicable routines, safe sleep, good food, enjoyable exercise, and companionship are helpful as well. |
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Check out: www.nctsn.org, National Child Traumatic Stress Network; www.medlineplus.gov. |