Effects of Trauma In Adolescents: Getting Help

Effects of Trauma In Adolescents: Getting Help

No matter how hard we try, some things are completely out of our control. Trauma in adolescents can be one of those things. There is always a possibility that our children may be exposed to a traumatic event or situation during their childhood. A car accident, a house fire, physical violence, or a severe injury are all examples of things that could be considered traumatic in a child’s life. While everyone knows that trauma is serious, perhaps you don’t know just how serious. Trauma can impact a child’s normal growth and development from all angles.

The Physical

Certain kinds of trauma can interfere with a child’s physical development. Kids who are exposed to repeated trauma can become hypersensitive to physical contact. They may develop sensorimotor problems. Physical and sexual abuse can lead to many physical health problems. Kids who have been traumatized may report a lot of somatic symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches.

The Mental

A young child’s developing brain can also be affected by trauma. An increased difficulty paying attention, learning difficulties, and delay in speech and language are common effects that trauma can have on a child’s brain and ability to function. Processing problems are also common and kids may have difficulty understanding the consequences of their behavior.

The Emotional

Emotional regulation can become a difficult task for children who have been exposed to traumatic events. This can cause them to get upset easily and make it difficult for them to calm themselves down. Increased outbursts and tantrums are common and their emotions may change quickly. They may become hypersensitive to certain sights, sounds, smells or anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. Kids who are exposed to repeated trauma may appear to be detached from their emotions. This is the dramatic opposite of the child described above. A child may develop a “hard shell” as a coping skill to help them survive the repeated trauma. They may appear numb to emotions and uneasily affected.

The Good News

Not all kids who are exposed to traumatic events with experience ongoing problems or hindrance of their development. Genetic make-up ultimately determines their response to trauma and how they will overcome it. There are steps that you can take to help your child heal after being traumatized. Healthy support and comfort will ease a child’s ability to bounce back after a traumatic event. Professional help can also help foster resilience in kids. Support groups, individual therapy or family therapy are other great options to consider for help after traumatic experiences.

Equinox RTC Can Help

Equinox is a residential treatment center for boys ages 14-18. This program specializes in the treatment of trauma, loss, and attachment issues. Equinox uses a relationship based and principle based level of intervention. The treatment model is based on relationships and principles as well. Students will experience both positive and negative outcomes and learn how to cope in a healthy and effective way. Fostering resiliency is an important focus at Equinox. This treatment center addresses each student as a whole and helps them heal from the inside out. We can help your family today! Contact us @ 828-772-5542