Trauma in children

Trauma in children can manifest in a variety of ways, and the specific symptoms can vary depending on the child's age, personality, and the nature of the traumatic experience. Trauma can be ongoing, such as abuse (sexual, emotional, physical), neglect, witness or victim of domestic violence or community violence.  Some traumas are one-off events such as the death of someone close to them, natural disasters or a one-off medical trauma. 

 

The following are some examples of how children might be impacted by an ongoing or one-off traumatic event:

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• Behavioural Changes: Trauma may cause children to become withdrawn or isolated, or they may become more aggressive, hyperactive, or impulsive. They may also experience nightmares, bedwetting, or changes in appetite.

• Emotional Changes: Children who have experienced trauma may become more anxious, depressed, or fearful. They may also experience feelings of guilt, shame, or helplessness. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions and may be prone to outbursts or mood swings.

• Physical Symptoms: Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach-aches, or other unexplained aches and pains. Children may use these as reasons to not join in and participate in activities they would normally enjoy.

• Difficulty Sleeping: Children who have experienced trauma may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or may experience nightmares or night terrors.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Children who have experienced trauma may struggle to focus or pay attention in school or other activities. Older children may experience a dip in academic achievements

• Regression: children may revert back to behaviours that would be deemed more suitable for much younger children, such as thumb sucking, bed wetting, tantrums, etc

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