As a parent, it may be difficult to breach the subject of trauma with your teen. However, it is crucial that you recognize the signs that your teen may be traumatized so that you can find them the care that they need to overcome trauma. Trauma in the teen years can follow an individual throughout their entire life. It can affect how they handle future stressors and can lead to unhealthy coping and even amplified mental health problems. But there are ways to heal from the trauma that will help your teen to better cope in positive ways and to thrive.
Teen trauma treatment with Venture Academy can help you to assess the need for trauma care. Healing from trauma may be difficult, but it can also bring your teen the peace of mind they need to thrive.
Signs Your Teen May Require Trauma Care
Teens may experience trauma for many reasons. The loss of a loved one, witnessing acts of violence, natural disasters, injuries, domestic violence, or even humiliation in school can have serious emotional repercussions. When you monitor what happens in your teen’s daily life, it may be easier to assess when trauma has occurred. However, it is ultimately best not to focus on what could have been prevented. Instead, try to support and help provide healthful coping mechanisms for the emotions that a teen experiences after a traumatic event. If you are unsure if a traumatic event has occurred, there are some signs that you can look for that will help you to better notice what is happening inside your teen’s head.
Some of these emotional states to look for may include:
- Irrational fear of events or situations
- Anxiety restricts the ability to interact in the world
- Shame or guilt for the traumatic event
- Rage or uncontrolled outbursts
- Sleep disturbances
- Avoiding places or people that could be tied to the traumatic event
- Freezing reaction to new stressors
- Depression and deep sadness
- Numbness or loss of emotions or feelings
Because many of these symptoms can appear to be mental health problems, or symptoms of an anxiety disorder, teens who are experiencing traumatic PTSD may not receive the proper diagnosis. It is vital to communicate with your teen openly and honestly so that you can help any care providers to better understand deep traumatic responses.
Teen Trauma Treatment
Trauma care is one of the most important steps in helping your teen with healing from trauma.
Some of the steps that you can take to ensure that your teen begins healing from trauma may include:
- Find a safe and comfortable place to have a discussion with your teen
- Turn off your cellphone and listen
- Pay attention to any information your teen is willing to provide
- Listen to the entire story before giving your opinion
- Assure your teen that it is normal to have emotional and physical responses to trauma
- Reassure teens that traumatic events occur often and they are not at fault
- Follow through on your promise not to judge or punish them for traumatic events
Be patient if your teen is unwilling to convey information. They may not be ready to talk or be sure how to express themselves due to a traumatic response. Healing from trauma may take your teen time. But you do not have to go through this process alone. With Venture Academy’s teen trauma treatment program, teens can learn optimal coping methods that will help them move through overwhelming emotions. By seeking the right professional help for your teen, you can support their journey back to wellness.
Heal Teen Trauma Today with Venture Academy
Teen trauma can be a deterrent for healthful living. Help your teen triumph over trauma today by reaching out to Venture Academy. Our programs offer your teen the support and learning tools that will help them to move beyond their trauma. If you are still feeling unsure, consider taking our interactive child behaviour test. We urge you to give us a call at 866.762.2211. With Venture Academy’s trauma care program, your teen can get back on the path to success.