How Can You Help a Child With PTSD?

Does your child experience PTSD? Here is a step-by-step process of how to help them heal by recognizing symptoms, offering treatment options, and using practical strategies to create a safe, supportive environment.

Childhood trauma can deeply impact a young person’s emotional and psychological development, in some instances leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This serious mental health condition can be triggered by abuse, a natural disaster, the sudden loss of a family member, or another traumatic experience.

Childhood trauma and PTSD can leave lasting scars, making it crucial to understand how to help a child with PTSD. Here are the symptoms and causes of childhood PTSD, as well as ways to support a traumatized child, including therapy options, parenting strategies, and the role of professional help.

What are the symptoms of PTSD in children?

Recognizing PTSD symptoms early is key to helping a child recover. Symptoms may appear days or even months after the trauma and vary depending on age and personality. Additionally, symptoms are not just emotional. They can present as physical and behavioral symptoms, especially in young children who can’t verbalize how they’re feeling. Common PTSD symptoms in kids include: 

• Frequent nightmares or night terrors
• Flashbacks or intense distress when reminded of the trauma
• Sudden mood swings or irritability
• Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
• Fatigue or appetite changes 
• Avoidance of people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma
• Clinginess or separation anxiety
• Problems with trust or forming relationships

What are the causes of PTSD in children?

There are many types of trauma that can cause PTSD in children. In many cases, PTSD symptoms in kids may not appear immediately after a traumatic experience, leaving it difficult for parents, teachers, or a health care provider to identify the cause. Some of the main causes of childhood PTSD are: 

• Physical abuse, including sexual abuse 
• Loss of a family member or loved one 
• Bullying or peer violence 
• Natural disasters
• Serious accidents or illnesses

How does PTSD affect mental health in children?

Untreated PTSD can severely disrupt a young child’s life. It affects emotional regulation, cognitive development, school performance, and relationships. A child suffering from PTSD may feel unsafe in otherwise normal environments, impacting their ability to thrive socially and academically. Moreover, prolonged exposure to trauma can affect the developing brain, increasing the risk of mental health problems in adolescence and adulthood. As it progresses, disorders like complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders may emerge without early intervention.

How to help a child with PTSD?

While recovery from PTSD takes time, especially in young children who don’t yet know how to process their emotions, a multi-layered approach involving family support, therapy, and sometimes medication can make a profound difference. Here are seven steps to help a child with PTSD. 

1. Recognize the symptoms

In order to begin the path of recovery for a child with PTSD, recognizing PTSD symptoms is the first step. It is also important to understand that a child isn’t “acting out” or “being difficult” on purpose. Their behavior is a response to post-traumatic stress and needs compassion and structure, not punishment.

2. Create a safe and predictable environment

Children struggling with PTSD seek safety and predictability, making an environment with those things important. Maintaining consistent routines, limiting exposure to violent media or conflict, and offering regular reassurance are ways to support the child. Simple daily habits, like family meals or a steady bedtime, can also give a traumatized child a greater sense of stability and emotional security.

3. Seek professional help

If a child is exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, seeking a healthcare provider or mental health professional is an important part of the recovery process. There are different types of therapeutic approaches for childhood PTSD, such as trauma-focused CBT or family therapy. Here are a few of the most commonly used: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychological treatment that helps people identify and challenge harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT, in particular, is a structured approach that helps children process trauma through talk therapy, exposure techniques, and coping skills. It’s widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for childhood trauma.
• Play therapy (for younger children): Play therapy is a valuable tool to help younger children with PTSD express and process their trauma. Through play, young children can communicate feelings they may not have the words for, like doing art, playing games, or storytelling. 
• Family therapy: Family therapy is another important aspect of supporting a child with PTSD. Involving parents and siblings helps create a stronger, more understanding home environment, which is especially important when trauma involves a family member or an adverse childhood experience.

4. Learn about PTSD

Learning about PTSD empowers both parents and children, helping them feel like they aren’t alone. Teachers or other caregivers should also be educated on a child’s PTSD to prevent misunderstandings and promote a more supportive environment.

5. Monitor for other serious mental health signs

Sometimes, other mental health issues can arise as a result of a child’s PTSD. Particularly in older children, it’s important to look out for new signs and symptoms that they may be showing to prevent any further emotional or physical harm. Here are some signs to be alert for: 

1. Suicidal thoughts

2. Self-harm

3. Substance abuse

4. Academic decline

5. Withdrawal from friends or family

If any of these symptoms arise, consult a mental health professional immediately. These can indicate worsening PTSD or the development of another mental health condition.

6. Promote healthy habits

Helping a child with PTSD sustain healthy habits will promote a healthy mind and balance. These habits can reduce emotional and physical symptoms. Encourage children to eat nutritious foods, get regular physical activity, have a regular sleep schedule, and practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

7. Be patient and realistic

Healing from trauma is not linear, especially in children who aren’t as in tune with their emotions as adults are. There will be good days and bad ones, so celebrate small victories and don’t rush the process. PTSD is manageable with proper care, no matter how long it may take. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a child in your life is struggling with PTSD or another serious mental health disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.