Recognize the symptoms of trauma in a child that can turn into ptsd

A person who sees or experiences an event, then impacts on his emotional response, can be said to be traumatized. This trauma can occur even in children, not only adults. Untreated trauma to a child can lead to PTSD. What is PTSD in children?

What is PTSD trauma in children? Does all trauma lead to PTSD?

PTSD is posttraumatic stress disorder , where this is a psychological disorder that occurs after the child experiences or witnesses an unpleasant event, namely trauma.

For example, trauma to a child that can turn into PTSD can be caused by events such as a disaster, accident, violence, or the death of someone who has a close relationship with the child.

However, it should be noted that not all traumas in children cause PTSD. However, every child has factors that enable him to cope with trauma.

For example, with the support of a good social environment, children are able to manage their emotions and good self-concepts.

Every event that happens to children also has a different impact. For example, two different children saw an accident.

In the first child, the effect can be only fear and tears. After witnessing the incident, he was able to cheer up again without any complaints. Whereas in the second child, after seeing the accident, his attitude could change to silence and show signs of PTSD.

What are the symptoms of a child experiencing trauma that leads to PTSD?

There are several traumatic characteristics of PTSD that parents can look out for in a child after he or she has experienced a traumatic event:

• The child experiences repeated stress about the event. For example, the child likes to play about the accident he saw, or the child admits that he thinks about it over and over again
• The child has nightmares and is related to the event;
• The child repeats the reaction when the event occurs, for example fear, screaming, crying
• The child avoids anything that reminds him of the incident, for example an accident avoiding a car
• Children have difficulty concentrating on something
• Children are easily surprised

Is there anything parents can do when a child is traumatized so as not to experience PTSD?

There are several things parents can do to prevent traumatic events in their children from causing PTSD. Here are some actions parents can take:

1. Parents can ask what the child thinks, what he saw, and how they felt after seeing the traumatic event.

2. Parents can allow children to express their feelings while listening carefully. If your child has a hard time telling a direct story, you can find out how he feels in other ways.

For example, like when he was drawing and trying to find out if he was telling about what he was drawing. Then, when the child is playing with the doll, parents can also ask what the doll is doing. In this way, parents can find out the contents of the child's feelings

3. Children, especially under 6 years of age, usually find it easier to express their feelings by having symbols of what they draw and the dolls they play with.

4. Parents can also help create a sense of security in themselves. For example, by saying "Calm down, sister, here are Father and Mother who are looking after you, you are safe now". You can also give a warm hug or gently caress the child to add a sense of security to them.

5. After that, parents can invite children back to their routine. If you have done the steps above and there are still behaviors that make your parents worry, immediately take your baby to a child psychologist.

What will happen if the child's trauma and PTSD are left alone?

Trauma leading to PTSD in children that is not treated will have a negative impact. For example, it can lead to negative behaviors such as anxiety and excessive fear in them.

Children can also be moody, withdrawn, and have difficulty concentrating on students. These things can have an impact on learning achievement, adapting to friends, and children's attitudes in the future.

What medications or methods can be used to treat child trauma?

Treatment of PTSD trauma in children can be given through therapy, therapy can be given depending on the child's condition, some of the therapies for children are play therapy, art therapy, or cognitive behavior therapy. Consult and have your little one's condition checked by a child psychologist to get the best treatment

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