Post-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as PTSD, develops in some people who have experienced something traumatic. People often think of PTSD with war veterans, but this disorder can impact any person who experiences something scary or shocking, including children.

We all experience fear as a part of life and most people recover from the initial symptoms they experience after a traumatic event. A child or teen who continues to struggle with fear or stress, even when they are not in danger, may need professional treatment to help them heal from the experience and learn how to cope with the feelings.

There are various types of physical and mental traumas that can cause PTSD, such as a serious car accident, abuse, the sudden death of a loved one, bullying, parental divorce, exposure to violence, natural disasters, and many other types of life experiences. Any situation that a person considers traumatic can cause PTSD—and this looks different for each person.

PTSD may develop in someone immediately following the trauma or it may show up much later in life.

Signs and Symptoms

It can be difficult for a child to understand and explain what they are feeling so it’s very important for caregivers to pay close attention to behaviors. Children and teens struggling with PTSD may be experiencing a range of emotional or physical distress. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping or having bad dreams
• Feeling anxious, nervous, restless or fidgety
• Becoming irritated, angry, aggressive or violent
• Returning to outgrown behaviors (such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Acting detached or unable to show affection
• Headaches or stomach aches
• Constantly worrying about dying
• Avoiding people, places or things that bring back memories
• Having flashbacks or reliving the experience over and over

What You Can Do to Help

There are many ways you can help a child or teen who is struggling with PTSD. Every child is different, so it’s important to pay attention to their responses and understand what they find comfort in. We recommend trying these supportive approaches:

• Acknowledge that the traumatic event happened. If you pretend it didn’t happen or try to downplay its impact, that could further traumatize the child.

• Listen closely if they want to open up and talk to you about it. Let them express their feelings about the event without judgment. But if they don’t want to talk about it, give them space and don’t force them.

• Be gentle, calm, patient and compassionate. Do not become angry or hostile toward them as that could scare them further.

• Speak to their teachers and school counselors to ensure they know what has happened and that the child may need additional support at school.

• Seek professional help. It’s important to have a physician or licensed mental health professional examine the child for an accurate assessment and diagnosis of their physical and mental health.

• If the child displays any symptoms of self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts, call 911 immediately. Take these symptoms very seriously and get them help as soon as possible.

KVC Missouri Children’s Mental Health Can Help

KVC Missouri provides the most comprehensive continuum of child and family services across the state, including family strengthening services, foster care case management, foster parent training and licensing,  community-based and residential children’s mental health treatment, K-12 therapeutic education, therapeutic adventure and wilderness programs and more. With regional campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and St. James, our 800+ team members bring innovative quality care models, clinical expertise, exceptional outcomes and groundbreaking work in trauma-informed care. Our broad continuum of care means that children can access mental health services from the least intensive, community-based care to the most intensive, residential treatment programs, receiving an individualized care plan from highly skilled behavioral health professionals.

If you’re concerned that a child in your care is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health needs, call us now at 1-844-424-3577 to find out about services near you.

Here are some KVC Missouri resources to help you understand and cope with PTSD: 

• Take this quick assessment to determine if your child might need professional mental health treatment
• Learn about the 3 most common levels of mental health treatment for children & teens
• Find out how adventure and wilderness programs can help a child overcome mental health challenges and experience personal growth
• Discover how we are leading change to address the children’s mental health crisis in Missouri

Here’s a list of additional resources you can contact for help:

• Call the child’s primary care physician or your local community mental health center
• Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America website at adaa.org
• Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
• Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 800-950-6264 or visit their website at nami.org
• Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org
• Learn more from ptsdinfo.org