Improving The Counseling Process

Improving The Counseling Process

Kids And Trauma: Signs And Symptoms Your Child May Need Treatment

by Martin Franklin

If your child has experienced a traumatic event, it is important that they get the right treatment to help them heal emotionally. Unfortunately, not all parents are even aware of events that may be causing trauma to their child, which makes it more important than ever to recognize key signs of trauma. Knowing how to look for red flags that your child may be experiencing trauma will help you seek the right intervention and treatment.

Fear of certain people or places

If your child appears to be anxious around a certain individual or becomes anxious when you visit a certain place, abuse may have occurred involving this individual or the location they are anxious about. Children who are being sexually abused are often threatened not to tell anyone or they will be harmed. This can lead to your child having unusual fears or anxiety that seems to arise around a specific person or place.

Unusual outbursts of anger

If your usually calm child suddenly begins to develop anger issues, it is a red flag that something is amiss in your child's life. It is not uncommon for children who are being bullied or teased at school to become increasingly angry when interacting with other adults or children. Anger results due to frustration when a child feels violated but does not know how to escape the negative situation.

Sleep changes

If your child begins to experience insomnia or frequently wakes up at night and has trouble getting back to sleep, it may be a sign of trauma, especially if other physical health problems have been ruled out. If your child frequently falls asleep at school or seems unusually lethargic during the daytime, it may be a sign that intervention is necessary to find out if it is related to trauma.

A decline in academic performance

A child who normally gets good grades and begins to struggle with their schoolwork may be dealing with something in their life that is making it difficult to concentrate. Failing school grades are often a subtle sign of some sort of trauma and should alert parents to the need for further investigation. 

Childhood trauma left untreated can carry over into major emotional and mental issues as your child enters the adult years. Signs and symptoms of trauma may be subtle in some children and can be easily overlooked or chalked up to hormonal changes or normal childhood behavior. The first step to getting your child help is to be alert and knowledgeable about key signs to watch for that may mean your child needs intervention.

For more information on trauma treatment for kids, contact a professional near you.


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About Me

Improving The Counseling Process

As a lifetime sufferer of depression, I have spent a great deal of time in therapy. One thing that I learned early on was the importance of having a good attitude and trying to figure out how to cope with some of the suggestions that my counselors gave me. I realized that when it came to having a good experience, the bulk of the responsibility fell in my lap. I started working hard to take their suggestions in stride and carefully analyze my life and my behavior. This blog is all about improving the counseling process by having a better attitude.