Written by Jennifer Ramirez, Medically reviewed by Damla Ricks
Signs of trauma in teens can manifest in different ways. You may see changes in behavior, physical health and moods. It is important to address these issues early on to prevent more severe symptoms from developing in the future.
Recognizing symptoms of trauma is the first step in the healing journey. It is important to understand that symptoms can vary from teen to teen based on their own unique experiences.
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma is a result of experiences that caused significant distress or harm. It can be a result of experiencing the trauma directly or being a witness to trauma. It is important to address trauma early on as it can have a negative impact on a child’s mental health and overall life if ignored or suppressed.
Examples of childhood trauma can include physical or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing or experiencing an accident, or experiencing loss of a significant person in their lives. A child’s environment can also lead to trauma, including being surrounded by substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, or surrounded by physical abuse. Medical issues can also induce traumatic experiences if a child is having to undergo painful or invasive medical procedures.
These traumatic events can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of a child leading to long-term changes in brain structure and function.
Key Childhood Trauma Symptoms in Teens
Symptoms for trauma can manifest in a variety of ways depending on each person’s experience. Some of the more common symptoms for trauma in teens can include, but not limited to, the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Irritable Behavior or moodiness
- Sleeping issues; having nightmares
- Hard time concentrating
- Depression, guilt, and shame
- Social isolation
- Easily startled
- Academic difficulties
- Substance abuse
- Self harm
- Flashbacks
- Physical symptoms such as heart pounding, vomiting
Understanding how to regulate emotions and behaviors can help improve social interactions both at home life and with social settings such as school.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Early intervention for traumatic experiences can involve counseling and coping skills training. By addressing the situation and symptoms early on, you can minimize long-term mental health challenges. This in turn can prevent the development of more severe mental health issues and reduce the severity of current symptoms.
During this time, it is important to give your teens a safe and supportive environment for them to share. Deciding on the best treatment for teens should be based on their specific needs and circumstances.
How Trauma Therapy Helps Teens Heal
Trauma Therapy helps teens heal by allowing them to process their emotions and learn coping tools in addressing symptoms. When teens are able to understand how trauma impacts their daily life and mental health, it can result in an overall better quality of life.
Ways trauma counseling can help include:
- Improved relationships with peers, families, and teachers
- Reduced feelings of shame and guilt
- Improve self-esteem and boost self confidence
- Reduce trauma related symptoms
- Change negative thought patterns to more positive and realistic ones
With improved self-awareness teens are able to help manage future events into more positive outcomes.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
Seeking support is important as a parent and caregiver of a teen experiencing trauma symptoms. In addition to creating a safe and supportive environment, it is important to seek professional help when needed.
Teens need to have their feelings validated, even if they seem irrational. Provide open communication with no judgment and encourage participation in age appropriate activities to prevent social isolation. Reassure them they are safe. Most importantly, be patient and understanding.
Professional help is available via licensed professional counselors. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Family therapy can also be considered as coping skills can be provided for the entire family to utilize.
Working with one of our trained therapists, Healing First Counseling can offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment for your teens. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
Damla Ricks is a Licensed Professional Counselor working on her Ph.D. in Family and Marriage Counseling. She is trained in trauma and system based therapy. She works with adults, couples, and families. On the side, she is also a full time college instructor in Communication Studies with 17 years of experience in higher education.