If your teen is experiencing the effects of trauma, intervention is essential. Getting treatment for your teen can help them process their trauma and improve their mental wellness. Emotional trauma is typically caused by an intense negative event or series of events. Even once a traumatic experience has passed, the effects may be felt for a long time. Understanding whether your teen’s behaviors are caused by trauma can enable you to offer the support they need. While emotional trauma is a natural response to a disturbing experience, it is important to consider how your teen is processing their experiences. Traumatic experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can require professional treatment.

Do you think your teen may have experienced emotional trauma? Recognizing trauma in teens can be difficult. Part of the difficulty comes from the unique effects trauma can have on different people. It’s important to understand that your teen will react to any trauma they have experienced in their own way. That being said, there are certain common signs of trauma in teens. Learning more about these can help you get a better understanding of what your teen is going through.

Signs of trauma in teens

• Withdrawal and isolation — Sudden behavioral changes can indicate that your teen is experiencing the symptoms of trauma. For example, a teenager who is usually extroverted or outgoing may start to withdraw and spend more time alone. People who have had a traumatic experience often isolate themselves due to hypervigilance and anxiety about potential triggers.

• Emotional outbursts — A teen with unresolved trauma may be prone to sudden emotional outbursts. Your teen might appear suddenly angry or sad, crying or lashing out without any clear explanation. If your teen is expressing a lot of strong emotions without an apparent cause, their feelings may be the result of a past traumatic experience.

• Anxiety and fear — Fear is one of the most common signs of trauma. People with emotional trauma often appear to be fearful or constantly “on edge.” Fearful behaviors can also lead to social avoidance. If you notice your teen expressing overwhelming fear over situations that didn’t previously cause concern, the change could be related to trauma.

Types of teen trauma

Trauma comes in many forms. The two main types are chronic and acute trauma. While the signs of both kinds of trauma can be similar, there are some important differences. Acute trauma occurs after a single traumatic experience. For example, your teen may have acute emotional trauma after a major personal loss or violent incident. Chronic trauma, on the other hand, results from ongoing traumatic events. In teens, bullying is a common example of chronic trauma. Ongoing domestic abuse is another kind of chronic trauma.

Understanding your teen’s trauma and its cause can help you offer more effective support. If your teen is being traumatized by bullying at school, for example, you can take steps such as contacting school officials. Gaining insights into the underlying causes behind your teen’s trauma can also be helpful when it comes to seeking professional assistance. Providing background information is valuable for therapists and other mental health professionals.

How to talk to your teen about trauma

Conversations about mental health can be difficult and awkward, but they can be an important part of the healing process for your teen. Here are some tips to help you build a rapport with your child and start a meaningful conversation:

• Listen — Show your teen that you are willing to be patient and listen. Simply finding a quiet, comfortable space and allowing your teen to share their feelings without interruption can have a huge impact on their emotional state. By listening and withholding judgment, you are showing that you value their thoughts and feelings. As you listen, it is important to avoid pushing for details. Talking about their experiences is likely hard for your teen, and going into the specifics may cause them to relive unpleasant memories.

• Show empathy — When your teen tells you about their experiences, it’s essential to respond with reassurance and empathy. Even if you don’t fully understand what they are going through, try to connect with their emotions. Let your teen know that it’s OK to feel upset or angry about their trauma.

• Offer support — In addition to empathy and understanding, it is also important to give your teen concrete support. Let your teen know you are there for them. Depending on your teen’s symptoms and situation, it may be helpful to gently suggest treatment, such as therapy.

Get your teen the help they need at Embrace U

Embrace U offers outpatient programs designed to help teens and adolescents with a wide range of mental health symptoms and conditions. Our treatment strategies include evidence-based therapy, coping skills training, peer support and more. With our structured and personalized treatment programs, we can help your teen process their trauma and improve their mental wellness.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.