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Each child's psychological trauma manifests itself differently, but there are common signs. Noticing these signs can help the therapist determine the best way to help.
The child's experience during the formative years (0-8 years old) is particularly meaningful, as this stage lays the foundation for the rest of the child's life. Although people often say that children are resilient, many parents also feel that children will not suffer any psychological trauma, and even if they do, it will be good to sleep or a few days, but this view may be because they do not understand children's psychological trauma.
Psychological trauma in childhood is associated with many mental and physical illnesses of children, adolescents and adults, and more and more experts and scholars believe that this is a "public health crisis" that concerns everyone.
Unresolved or untreated psychological trauma can have a significant impact on children, leaving negative effects that persist into adult life over time. Children must receive the help they need to address the root causes of conflict, prevent long-term suffering, and heal and recover.
So, how do parents perceive whether their children are traumatized? What are the causes and signs of trauma in children? And what to do? Below, Professor Rong Xinqi, an expert in new concept psychology, will take a closer look at and discuss with you.
What are the common causes of trauma in children?
Psychological trauma in childhood can occur at any age and is very common. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events in childhood, such as emotional neglect, domestic abuse, death of a loved one, school bullying, and parental divorce.
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that about half of American children ages 18 or younger (about 34 million children) face at least one potential traumatic early childhood experience. And this data will be higher in China.
The more adverse childhood experiences a child experiences, the higher their risk of developing problems such as mental health, physical health, behavioral problems, educational problems, substance use disorders, socioeconomic challenges, and later interpersonal relationships.
Professor Rong said that the complex psychological trauma of children refers to the multiple psychological traumatic events that children suffer, such as domestic abuse and school violence. Complex psychological trauma often has wide-ranging effects and can undermine a child's attachment, development, and self-awareness to their parents.
An event that causes psychological trauma to one child may not cause psychological trauma to another child. Based on family and circumstances, previous traumatic history, and poverty conditions that lead to long-term traumatic stress, some children are considered to be at high risk of childhood trauma.
Other causes of trauma in children are:
Experiencing violence or bullying, such as at home or at school;
Traumatic grief caused by the death of a parent or loved one;
Parents are away for a long time;
Natural disasters;
Man-made disasters;
Parents quarrel, divorce;
Parents neglect their children's physical or emotional needs;
Being abused, which may be sexual, physical or emotional;
Medical psychological trauma;
Chronic illness or threat of illness, such as COVID-19;
Racism, which is a long-term form of psychological trauma;
War or terrorist threats, etc.
Signs of psychological trauma in children?
"Psychological trauma" means any disturbing event or experience deemed life-threatening, or any event that results in significant psychological, physical or emotional harm.
Trauma can be a single event, such as a natural disaster, car accident, illness or loss, or a recurring experience such as abuse, racism, neglect or bullying. The recurrence of traumatic experiences or traumatic stress is called "complex psychological trauma." Children may also suffer psychological trauma by witnessing or knowing harm to a parent or loved one, such as in situations of intimate partner violence.
When a disturbing event or experience occurs, it may cause childhood trauma in the child. However, not all disturbing events can cause psychological trauma to children. Depending on the severity of the event and other factors, the factors that make the event psychologically traumatic may vary from child to child, such as:
Age of children: The psychological trauma experience of young children is different from the experience of adolescents.
Child's developmental stages: Young children with limited communication skills may not be able to express psychological trauma in an easily recognizable way.
Children's growth environment and parents: Do parents support their children? Is the child's psychological trauma acknowledged or ignored? Do they have a strong emotional response?
Children's responses after traumatic events will vary depending on their stage of development and actual age. Understanding the signs of trauma in children is crucial because the effects of unresolved trauma can last for years.
Some of the most common signs of childhood trauma are:
Fear, including fear when separated from parents;
Often crying or crying;
Regressive behavior, or a return to an early stage of development – also a sign of stress;
Difficulty concentrating;
Express concerns about their safety;
Easily frightened or frightened;
Difficulty falling asleep;
Reenacting psychological trauma during play, especially in young children, such as toddlers and elementary school children;
Weight loss or gain, as well as changes in eating habits;
Sadness;
Low tolerance for setbacks, indicating a reduced tolerance window;
Sexuality;
Risk-taking, or unusually reckless behavior;
Self-harm, such as cuts;
A strong outburst of anger;
Separation, or appearing withdrawn, closed, or as if daydreaming, etc.
Like adults, children can be diagnosed with psychological post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How can I help a traumatized child?
While psychological trauma can be complex, the way to help a child isn't necessarily the same. There are many ways and means to help you and your child, from professional help from counselors and psychotherapists to self-help books. Understanding childhood trauma is a great place to start.
For trauma patients, it is best to seek professional help from professionals who understand psychological trauma. Other forms of treatment that can help children recover from psychological trauma include:
1. Game therapy. Children, especially young children, learn and grow through play, and play therapy can help children express and process feelings associated with psychological trauma in a safe manner.
2. Family therapy. The involvement of parents and families is essential to help children recover from traumatic experiences. Family therapy provides support for children to learn new ways to cope with traumatic symptoms, and it also strengthens relationships or attachments, which are an integral part of trauma healing.
3. Artistic or music therapy and other expressive interventions. The art of expression can improve mental health outcomes for adults exposed to adverse childhood experiences. Such interventions may be particularly useful when used as complementary treatment options.
4. Reading therapy. Also known as "therapeutic storytelling," reading therapy is a great way for both parents and children. There are self-help books that can further help parents support their children who have experienced psychological trauma. Such books are written to provide guidance and hope for traumatized children and families.
After a traumatic event, the goal is to ensure and rebuild the physical and mental safety of the child. This healing process can begin with alignment and presentation with the child's emotional and physical needs, as this provides them with structure and space to express themselves.
Parents can also get support through a variety of ways to further help their children:
Connect with trusted family members or loved ones and share plans to ensure your child's physical and mental safety.
When you need to rest, relax yourself through self-healing, mindfulness meditation, and more.
Conduct in-depth consultations with the child's school and seek cooperation and help from the school. Because trauma can affect children in many ways in a school setting, school support services that meet emotional and educational needs are important and often needed.
Finally, Professor Rong said that although the focus is usually on the psychological traumatic events that occur, in the treatment process, it is also necessary to emphasize everything that happens after the psychological trauma. For parents, loved ones, and caregivers of traumatized children, your support for their recovery is essential.
The support and help of family members and caring relatives and friends can be used as a protective factor for children who have experienced psychological trauma. Studies have shown that early intervention in children can minimize the adverse effects of psychological trauma on their adult lives.
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Text: Consultant Hong
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