Key Takeaways

• Trauma is a response to an intense event or a series of threatening or harmful events.

• Signs of childhood trauma can be emotional, behavioral, or physical. 

• Trauma is manageable through professional therapy and support from loved ones.

Everyone goes through difficult times, including children. 

While many can overcome these challenges with the right support, some children may find it hard to recover. 

Recognizing the signs of trauma and understanding when to seek professional help can aid your child in healing emotionally from traumatic events. 

What Is Childhood Trauma?

Trauma can refer to any disturbing event that leads to physical, psychological or emotional harm. It can also result from witnessing harm done to a loved one. What makes an event traumatic depends on several factors, like the child's age and developmental stage.

Common Causes of Trauma in Children 

Childhood trauma can occur at any age. These events include:

• Neglect

• The death of a caregiver

• Abuse

• Substance misuse by a parent

More than two out of three children have experienced some form of trauma by the age of 16.

How Trauma Affects a Child's Development 

Trauma can significantly impact a child's development. It may affect their social interactions, learning abilities, and overall brain development. 

If not addressed, it might lead to long-term mental health issues. Depending on the nature of the trauma, it may cause increased aggression, anxiety, regression, and difficulty concentrating.

Emotional Signs of Trauma in Children

Children who have experienced trauma may internalize their feelings and react strongly to stress.

At times, children may become emotionally numb to dangerous situations, which increases their risk of experiencing re-traumatization.

Anxiety, Fear or Excessive Worry

Children experiencing trauma may appear to be overly anxious and clingy with caregivers. They may be extremely fearful and worry excessively, making it difficult to participate in activities they usually enjoy.

Sudden Mood Swings or Emotional Outbursts

Angry outbursts are common among children with trauma. They may struggle to manage their emotions, contributing to mood swings.

They are often difficult to calm down and may become easily upset.

Withdrawal or Emotional Numbness 

Some children may disassociate and disconnect from whatever is going on around them.

Withdrawing and shutting down are defense mechanisms the brain uses to protect itself from experiencing overwhelming emotions.

Behavioral Signs of Trauma in Children

Trauma impacts a child's developing brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control. 

Consequently, caregivers may notice a significant change in the behavior of children who have experienced trauma. Here are some of the behavioral signs of trauma.

Increased Aggression or Irritability

Because trauma affects a child's ability to regulate their emotions, they may react intensely to perceived threats, even in normal situations.

Feelings of powerlessness may also trigger angry responses.

Read More: How to Handle Tantrums

Regression

Regression is a defense mechanism that children may use to cope with trauma. 

They may act younger and needier, wet the bed, use baby talk or have more tantrums than usual.

Difficulty Sleeping or Frequent Nightmares

Traumatic experiences often lead to a state of hyperarousal, making it hard to fall asleep. It can also trigger flashbacks and nightmares that disrupt their sleep cycles.

Physical Symptoms of Trauma in Children

Traumatic events cause strong physical reactions that last long after the event has ended.

These physiological reactions include vomiting, heart palpitations, and a loss of bladder or bowel control. Such physical symptoms may cause a child to feel even more overwhelmed.

Unexplained Aches and Pains

Stomach aches and headaches are common manifestations of childhood trauma. Some children express emotional distress through physical pains when they have difficulty articulating how they feel.

Changes in Appetite or Weight 

Children experiencing trauma may undergo significant changes in their eating habits. A loss of appetite or overeating may lead to noticeable fluctuations in weight.

Fatigue or Frequent Illness

Experiencing trauma may significantly impact the body's stress response, leading to a weakened immune system.

This makes children more susceptible to illnesses. Because their body is always in "fight or flight" mode, it can cause intense fatigue.

How To Support a Child Experiencing Trauma

Trauma is complex, but the way you support your child doesn't have to be. There are many resources available for guardians of children dealing with trauma.

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment 

Providing a nurturing and safe environment can be one of the most effective ways to support a child dealing with trauma.

Designate a quiet area in your home where your child can go when they feel overwhelmed. Keep a consistent schedule and validate their feelings often. Doing these things can help you build trust with your child.

Encourage Open Communication

Avoid minimizing your child's feelings. Encourage them to talk about their emotions when they feel ready.

Ask them open-ended questions to encourage open communication, and use age-appropriate language when discussing their feelings about the event. Don't pressure them to talk more than they are ready to.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

Caring for a child with trauma can be difficult. If you notice their symptoms aren't improving, seek professional help. 

A therapist can help your child express and process their feelings regarding the traumatic event in a safe environment.

When To Seek Professional Help

Trauma can impact all aspects of a child's life, from their emotional well-being to relationships and academic success.

Emora Health can make it easier to find the right therapist to help your child. Start your search here to help your child begin their healing journey.

Sources:

1. Lawrence-Sidebottom D, Huffman LG, Beam AB, Guerra R, Parikh A, Roots M, Huberty J. Rates of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress in a Pediatric Digital Mental Health Intervention: Retrospective Analysis of Associations With Anxiety and Depressive Symptom Improvement Over Time. JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2024 Feb 27;7:e55560. doi: 10.2196/55560. PMID: 38412001; PMCID: PMC10933721.