Trauma Defined
Trauma is an emotional and/or physical response to a significant event that was, or appeared to be, threatening or distressing to the individuals involved. A traumatic experience may overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, diminish their sense of self, cause feelings of hopelessness, and drastically impact their ability to perform daily tasks.
Traumatic experiences are subjective and post-trauma symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. Although there are no specific measures to assess which events will lead to post-trauma symptoms, some commonly seen conditions are as follows:
• Pain
• Injuries
• Loss
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Natural disaster
• Divorce
• Betrayal
The availability of resources or lack thereof will also impact whether an adverse experience leads to trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
Although this is not an exhaustive list and can vary between individuals, some common symptoms of post-trauma stress are:
• Sadness
• Anger
• Denial
• Fear
• Shame
• Difficulties with concentration
• Avoiding reminders or places
associated with the event
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Insomnia
• Difficulty with relationships
• Emotional outbursts
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Altered sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse problems
Children & Adolescents
It can be challenging for parents to know if their child is experiencing the effects of trauma. If your child begins to present with emotional or behavioral symptoms, not previously present, you may want to consider seeking out therapeutic support.
Some common symptoms seen with children and adolescents include*:
• Lack of interest in play/change in play
• Aggression/rages
• Irritability
• Drop in grades or other issues at school
• Trouble sleeping/nightmares
• Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
• Hyperactivity
• Clinginess or withdrawal
• Change in friendships/less
interest in friends
• Food hoarding (storing)
• Bedwetting or regression in
proper toileting
• Decrease in self-care/hygiene
• Increase in anxiety or fearful
behaviors
• Drug use
• Sexualized behaviors
*Please note, this is not an exhaustive list.