Teenage Trauma for Parents & Carers

Managing Teenage trauma.

There are many different signs of trauma in teenagers, these can include changes in behavior or mood, such as becoming withdrawn or aggressive, changes in eating or sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating, and self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It can also manifest physically, such as headaches, stomach aches and fatigue.

Helping a teenager cope with and overcome childhood trauma can be a complex and delicate process. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding and to respect the teenager’s space and willingness to talk about their experiences.

Here are some steps you can take to help a teenager work through their childhood trauma:

1. Encourage them to seek professional help: A therapist or counselor with experience in treating trauma can provide the teenager with the tools and support they need to process their experiences and learn coping strategies.
2. Create a safe and stable environment: This can include setting clear boundaries and expectations, providing consistency and predictability in the teenager’s daily life, and being available to listen and offer support.
3. Validate and acknowledge their feelings: Let them know that their experiences are valid and that their feelings are understandable given what they’ve been through.
4. Help them establish a daily routine: Establishing a routine can help them feel more in control of their life and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
5. Engage in activities that they enjoy and that promote self-care: Encourage them to engage in activities that they enjoy, such as exercise, creative expression, or spending time with friends, to promote feelings of well-being and self-care.
6. Be patient: Healing from trauma takes time, and progress may be slow. It’s important to be patient and continue offering support and encouragement throughout the process.
7. Keep an eye out for any signs of danger: If they show any signs of suicidal thoughts, self-harm or other dangerous behavior, seek professional help immediately.

It’s important to remember that each individual responds to trauma differently, so the healing process may look different for each person. It’s also important to keep in mind that healing from trauma is a process and it takes time.