Child Trauma child abuse sexual abuse victim therapy parent support
What exactly is child trauma? Obviously this subject would include child abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional), children who lived in households with domestic violence, children who have witnessed a violent crime, etc. Many children have experiences in their lives that to adults, maybe even to themselves, would not be classified as trauma but the effects and symptoms that are being felt and displayed are concurrent with a child who has experienced a trauma.
I like to separate traumas into "Big T" and "Little T" traumas. "Big T" traumas are the abuse experiences, the violent crimes, the car accidents, or other large, scary events. "Little T" traumas are sort of the every day problems that occur, but cause exagerated symptoms. This list might include getting disciplined by a parent or teacher, getting into an argument with a friend, the child or someone else moving away, and so on.
Adults often view these "Little T" events as something that can easily be resolved with time. Often they can. But some children do not bounce back quickly and seem to perseverate over the event. Parents and caregivers can be clueless how to deal with this because they've been able to rationalize that the event happened and everything is ok. Have you ever experienced a child or teen who had something happen in their lives, maybe someone said "I'm not your friend anymore" and it is the most devistating thing ever? Children are emotional beings. When you live by your emotions, it is hard to see the bigger picture and view anything beyond that particular point in time.
Symptoms that continue from either trauma are disruptive to all aspects of life. Sleeping can increase or decrease. Nightmares can begin or worsen. Eating may become non-existent or overeating could begin. Behavior problems and emotionality might be the prevailing issue or a child might withdraw and isolate. School difficulties may begin or behavior problems at home. To top it off, children aren't able to talk about their experiences and make sense of them verbally like adults do. Children need to be able to process their hurts and worries in ways that are suited to them.
If your child has experienced an identifiable trauma and/or is exhibiting symptoms that concern you. Don't ignore your little voice and say just give it some time. If you are worried, validate yourself. Contact a therapist who specializes in working with children. You can talk with them and decide if therapy or some other course of action is right for your child. Children deserve to live happy and healthy lives. Why not get that life started today.