Traumatic events are usually unexpected and do not allow people
time to prepare for them. They are often very different to anything
experienced before, and can be difficult to make sense of. They
might cause people to question things that they previously thought
were true, such as their safety in the world and their control over
their lives. Much of the distress that follows a traumatic event
can be caused by shattering their previous sense of security and
stability. Trauma can be especially challenging for young people,
who are still learning about themselves, establishing their
identity, and gaining independence from their parents.
Young people respond to traumatic events in many different ways,
depending on their past experiences, personality, levels of support
and the nature of the event. Most young people will cope well and
make a good recovery, but a few will have long-term problems. In
the period immediately after the event, however, it is normal to
experience strong emotions and feelings. These can include:
- Emotional numbness - feeling cut-off from what happened
- Shock and disbelief
- Fear - for example of death or injury, being alone, not being
able to cope, or the event happening again
- Helplessness - having no control
- Guilt or shame - for not having stopped the event, being better
off than others, not reacting in the best way or not coping well
enough
- Sadness - for things that have been lost
- Isolation - feeling that no-one understands or can help
- Euphoria - joy at being alive and safe
- Anger and frustration - about the event, and its
unfairness
- Re-experiencing of the event - through dreams, flashbacks or
thoughts
- Changes in relationships - some people may seem unsupportive or
unavailable, others might seem closer than previously
Some young people may experience other physical and behavioural
reactions, including:
- Headaches
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Racing heart
- Shaking, sweating
- Sleep difficulties
- Trouble concentrating
- Emotional distress, including mood swings or anxiety
- Difficulty with school or work
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Difficulties with normal daily activities
- Increased risk-taking behaviour
- Increased substance use
Such reactions are normal, and they usually begin to lessen in
the days and weeks after the event.
How can parents and carers provide support?
Support from the family is extremely important for young people
following a traumatic event. Most young people will recover well
with the support of family, friends and their community, as being
with familiar and caring people helps them to regain a sense of
safety and re-establish normal routines. There are some things
which can help your child through the process of recovery:
- Acknowledge the trauma that they have experienced - let them
know that you are there for them, and are listening to them
- Provide information about common reactions to traumatic
experiences and normalise their physical and emotional
responses
- Encourage them to spend time with family, friends and other
trusted people
- Limiting their access to media coverage of the event may be
helpful - information is important, but too much can reinforce
distress
- Encourage them to re-establish their normal routines such as
meal times, sleep, work, study and relaxation
- Join them in doing enjoyable activities
- Let them talk about their experience if they want to: it can
help to make sense of what has happened, and what it means for them
and their life. However, this should be entirely voluntary, and
only when they feel ready
What are post-traumatic mental health
problems?
Although most young people begin to recover from a traumatic
experience within weeks, some will have persisting or worsening
symptoms. This can increase their risk of developing mental health
problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), or problems with substance use. If they do
develop, then these problems can be treated, but they need proper
assessment by a health professional.
Possible signs of a mental health problem include changes in
behaviour or mood which:
- Persist for more than two weeks
- Worsen over time
- Affect their ability to participate in activities they enjoy,
their school work, or their relationships
- Are distressing
- Lead to thoughts of harming themselves or someone else.
If symptoms of trauma are left untreated, they can have a
significant effect on a young person's social, emotional,
behavioural and physical development. Getting help early can reduce
the likely effect of mental health problems on their life and
improve the chances of a full recovery.
Supporting your child in seeking help
Supporting your child to find a health professional such as a GP
or counsellor who they trust and feel comfortable with will be
important. If they've had a positive experience with a family GP or
another health professional in the past it might be helpful to
encourage them to contact them again. You could also support them
to contact your local community health centre or headspace
centre.
Psychological treatments, such as individual or group
cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) have been shown to work very well
with young people who have symptoms of PTSD.
Acknowledgements
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, University of
Melbourne
Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief
Network
This information was produced thanks to the generous support of the
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and has been developed in
collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health