Trauma can mean many things, but whichever it is, as a parent, you’ll want to know the signs. It’s heartbreaking to think that your teen may have experienced trauma, but knowing the signs can help. Discover three signs of teen trauma, examine what teen trauma involves, and reach out for help today to set your teen on the path to recovery.
What Are the Signs of Teen Trauma?
Recognizing the signs of teen trauma could spare your child many further problems. The following are three signs of teen trauma to look out for.
1. Separation anxiety
Some teens may develop separation anxiety after a traumatic event. This could revolve around you, as their parent, or they may experience separation anxiety from someone who was with them during the event, such as a friend or teacher. They may even develop separation anxiety from something that gives them comfort, such as a soft toy or pet.
2. Panic attacks
Teen trauma is a leading cause of panic attacks, which, if not dealt with, can become chronic and debilitating. Nevertheless, similar settings or situations as the traumatic event, such as riding in a car or going to school, can trigger panic attacks. However, avoiding the triggers provides instant relief from the emotions, but in turn, leads to more problems.
3. Substance use
To enable them to cope with teen trauma, many teens turn to substances like drugs and alcohol. These substances help them escape from their thoughts and feelings for a while. Nevertheless, substance use does more harm than good and will cause them many more problems.
Other signs of trauma include:
- Strong emotions such as anger or guilt
- Nightmares, insomnia, or oversleeping
- A loss of interest in former hobbies
- Separation anxiety
- Avoiding situations
- Eating and sleeping disturbances
Teen Trauma
The word trauma applies to various experiences that a person may have, such as sexual abuse, a car accident, or physical abuse.
Some people may experience signs of trauma that only last a few weeks, while others will struggle with symptoms for months or years. When trauma symptoms don’t go away, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is usually diagnosed.
Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to PTSD because their brains are still in development. In other words, the brain and personality continue to develop past the teen years and into the early twenties, meaning any young person is susceptible to PTSD following a traumatic event.
Teens display trauma in a variety of ways, such as exhibiting strong emotions or having nightmares. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, psychosomatic symptoms, withdrawing from friends, school grades dropping, and more.
Most teens will have an increased need for independence after a traumatic event but will counteract this with phases of clinginess or an increased demand for reassurance. Your teen may not want to discuss the event with you, but with patience and understanding, you will be able to help them through it. Some teens need more time to open up or process the event.
Learn More: Contact Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, we are experts in teen trauma therapy. We offer many treatment programs, including:
- 30-day assessment and intervention
- Behavioural treatment program
- Drug and alcohol treatment program
- Electronic addiction treatment program
- School and educational programs
Our focus is on the individual, and we aim to heal the whole person; mind, body, and spirit. We offer traditional medicine, holistic therapies, experiential learning, and peer support alongside high-quality education. Venture Academy can help your teen get their life back.
We know how distressing it is to see your teen suffering, and we are happy to help. If you want to discuss teen trauma therapy or teen trauma with a friendly professional, call Venture Academy at 866.762.2211.
