Trauma can be pretty hard to spot, especially in teenagers. When something bad happens to such a child, their subconscious mind may partially or completely block this event in a bid to protect them.
If this happens, it can be difficult to link the symptoms they exhibit to the traumatic events. This is why this post seeks to shed light on this subject. Below, I have compiled a list of the most common symptoms of emotional trauma in teens.
What Is Trauma?
Before we dive into the signs, it’s important to clarify the definition of the word trauma. This is any sort of event or thing subjected to an individual against their will. It could be a one-time event like a car accident or natural calamity. Or, it could be a series of traumatizing events such as bullying or a chronic illness.
Either way, the intensity of the incident can be so enormous that the individual is unable to process. During or in the short period after the incident happens, the logical brain might stop functioning momentarily, sending the victim into a state of shock. So, instead of moving on, the individual gets stuck in an endless loop.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Teenagers
Teenagehood comes with its own set of challenges. This is not surprising given the physical and emotional changes that these young adults go through. Unfortunately, this makes it all the more harder to spot symptoms of emotional trauma. If you suspect that your child is going through trauma, watch out for the following signs:
Symptoms that appear instantly
- Feeling scared or surprised
- The victim might shut down; standing still trying to process everything
- Experiencing massive disappointment
- Loss of certain capabilities, like becoming speechless or seeing things with blurred vision
Symptoms that appear in the short-term
These signs appear within the first few weeks of the incident happening. They include:
- Separation anxiety- the individual becomes unusually clingy because they’re scared of reliving the ordeal.
- Decreased confidence
- Struggling to learn or understand things
- Nightmares
- Slurred or repetitive speech
- Temporary loss of memory
- Indulging in substance abuse as a coping mechanism
- Engaging in self-harming behavior
Long-term Symptoms
Depending on the nature of the traumatic event, some victims take longer before manifesting signs. Often, these signs take several months before popping up. They include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Gets spooked easily; perhaps by loud noises or unusual smells
- Intense feelings of resentment, guilt or sorrow
- Losing interest in their hobbies and routine activities
- Social withdrawal
- Unexplainable loss in academic performance
The Next Steps
If your teenage child ever experiences a traumatic event, it’s important to offer them unconditional love and support. Reassure them that everything will be okay so they can feel safe. At the same time, identify coping strategies that work for them.
For some, this could mean scheduling counseling sessions with a certified therapist. For others, it could mean talking to a spiritual leader. Whatever your child needs, ensure you support them fully and them on their recovery journey. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)
