Has your teenage child exhibited a change in behavior after undergoing an unusual experience? They could have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and need trauma treatment for teens. A teenager might be exposed to experiences like bullying, physical or sexual assault, community violence such as a mass shooting, or even a cataclysmic natural disaster. Such experiences leave a deep emotional scar that needs professional treatment. Here are some signs that a child could benefit from trauma treatment.
1. Nightmares
Nightmares are a common symptom of PTSD. A person suffering from nightmares will find themselves reliving the traumatic experience in their dreams. The nightmares can be so vivid that it feels like they are happening all over again. In addition, nightmares are usually accompanied by physical reactions such as sweating, racing heartbeat, nausea, and even screaming.
2. Flashbacks
Flashbacks are another symptom of PTSD that can affect both adults and kids. In flashbacks, a person will feel as if the traumatic experience is happening all over again. What makes flashbacks different from nightmares is that the person would not differentiate between reality and the flashback during the event; flashbacks can happen during the day. The flashbacks usually have a trigger, such as seeing a type of car or clothing of a participant in the traumatic event.
3. Hypervigilance
A person who has PTSD will exhibit hypervigilance. Hypervigilance is an awareness of the surroundings that goes beyond the normal level of alertness. For example, a person with PTSD might find it difficult to be in crowded places because they feel vulnerable.
Some people with PTSD may even feel like someone is following them or watching them constantly. This heightened state of alert leads to higher anxiety levels and is a clear sign of a need for a trauma treatment program for kids.
4. Avoidance of reminders
Being exposed to reminders of the traumatic experience can trigger flashbacks and nightmares. For example, a person who was assaulted may not want to talk about what happened because it will bring back painful memories. A person who has PTSD will try their best to avoid such situations or people or the place where the assault happened.
5. Physical reactions
PTSD can cause physical reactions such as stomachaches, migraines, back pain, etc. When a person is constantly reminded of the traumatic event, it can cause them to relive the pain. This will eventually lead to physical symptoms of PTSD. These are aggravated by high levels of anxiety and poor sleep that lead to further physical deterioration.
PTSD can afflict people of all ages, but teens are more vulnerable because of their developing bodies and emotions. Call a counselor today to learn more about a trauma treatment program for kids.
