Common Symptoms of Trauma and What to Do About It

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD in children is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms may vary depending on the child’s age and the nature of the trauma, but some common signs include:

• Re-experiencing the Trauma: The child may have nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event.
• Avoidance: The child may avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma. They may become withdrawn or refuse to talk about the event.
• Emotional Numbing: The child may seem emotionally detached, showing little interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Increased Anxiety and Arousal: This can manifest as difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, being easily startled, or having trouble concentrating.
• Irritability or Angry Outbursts: Children may display more frequent temper tantrums or become irritable over minor issues.
• Regressive Behaviors: Younger children might return to behaviors like bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or clinginess.
• Physical Complaints: Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical ailments may arise in response to emotional distress.

Strategies for Helping Children Cope with Trauma

As elementary school counselors, there are several ways we can support children who have experienced trauma. Here are some key strategies:

1. Create a Safe, Predictable Environment: Children who have experienced trauma need to feel safe. Establishing routines and clear expectations at school can provide the stability they may lack in other areas of their life.
2. Listen and Validate Feelings: Give children space to talk about their trauma if they are ready, but never force the conversation. When they do open up, validate their feelings and reassure them that their emotions are normal.
3. Teach Relaxation Techniques: Trauma often causes heightened anxiety. Teach children simple breathing exercises, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation to help them manage stress and calm their nervous system.
4. Encourage Expressive Outlets: Children may have difficulty articulating their emotions verbally. Encourage alternative outlets, such as drawing, writing, or playing, to express their feelings.
5. Use Trauma-Informed Interventions: Schools should consider adopting trauma-informed practices that emphasize safety, empowerment, and collaboration. This may include training staff to recognize trauma responses and creating systems of support for affected students.
6. Foster Positive Relationships: Help children build strong, supportive relationships with trusted adults and peers. These connections can serve as a buffer against the effects of trauma.
7. Provide Clear, Age-Appropriate Explanations: For younger children, using simple language to explain what happened can help them make sense of the event. Be careful to avoid overwhelming them with too much detail, and answer questions they may have honestly but gently.
8. Develop Coping Skills: Teach children specific strategies for coping with stress, such as positive self-talk, journaling, or engaging in calming activities like reading or walking.
9. Refer for Professional Support: In some cases, children may need more specialized intervention from mental health professionals. Counseling or therapy, particularly trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), can be very effective in helping children process trauma.

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD and providing support through strategies is an important role immediately following a traumatic event as well as for the months to come. in the present while preparing them to develop coping skills that will serve them as adults. Your work can make all the difference.