PARENTING TIP: How to Spot Psychological Trauma Symptoms in Children

The symptoms of psychological trauma in children can vary widely. Some of the symptoms include the following: nightmares, extreme startle response, inconsolable crying, and extreme separation anxiety. One of the most severe symptoms include freezing, so to speak, where the child appears to be in a trance-like state. If you ever see this behavior in a child, odds are that the child has experienced some sort of psychological trauma.

The effects of psychological trauma also often manifest themselves in behavior problems at school. In boys, aggression often masks an underlying depression and traumatic reaction; in girls, they often withdraw and isolate themselves socially. For both older boys and girls, they often turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate.

If you see any of these symptoms in your child, contact a local mental health clinic or therapist. These problems are treatable, and the earlier you confront the problem, the better!