There is little in the world as heartbreaking as a child that has had to deal with serious trauma. It can be the loss of a parent or being the victim of a crime. Your child might have a terminal illness or have experienced a natural disaster.
These things should never be part of a child’s life. But, it happens. The youngest victims are often the least able to express their feelings and emotions.
There are factors that can contribute to the trauma your child is experiencing. If the child finds out about an event or loss in an upsetting or emotional way. If they lost close friends, classmates, or a family member, the impact can appear magnified.
The symptoms of trauma in a child can appear like depression. There might be too much or too little sleep, loss of appetite, or overeating. There might be anger or irritability. There can be a lack of focus on schoolwork, projects, or day-to-day activities. It can also present as anxiety, such as obsessive worry or issues leaving parents.
If your child’s teachers report acting out in school, you might see the same behaviors at home. This can be a sign that they are not as healthy, emotionally, as they would like you to believe.
If your child is a teenager dealing with trauma, you may see them become very withdrawn, or sullen. They can also exhibit personality changes.
At Pathways Counseling Services, we have counselors trained to deal with a wide range of trauma with children and teens. Call our office at 480-235-1682 to set up a consultation or schedule an appointment.
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