Parents and caregivers can play an important role in teen trauma recovery. For example, they can offer reassurance and make teens feel safe. However, they can also arrange trauma treatment for their child. How can a parent help a teen work through trauma? Find out by calling Foothills at Red Oak today at 866.300.5275.
How Do Experts Define Trauma?
People react to stressful situations differently. So, what your teen considers traumatic may seem benign to others. It’s critical that parents not dismiss something their child sees as traumatic or ignore their feelings about any event.
Some situations that can be traumatic include:
- Accident
- Serious illness
- Violent crime
- Pandemic
- Natural disaster
- Bullying
- Death of a loved one or pet
Things teen witnesses may have a traumatic impact on them, as well, such as a disturbing event like an attack on someone else. Anything that brings with it an array of confusing and frightening emotions can be a trauma.
What Are Symptoms of Teen Trauma?
After a trauma, teens may have flashbacks to the event. They may suddenly have problems sleeping or start acting out. Substance abuse is a common symptom of trauma, as is disruptive behavior.
For some teens, the trauma may bring physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches. They may complain that they are too ill to go to school. In severe cases, there may be suicide attempts or thoughts of trying to kill themselves. Parents may notice new and disturbing signs, such as negative words, pictures, or phrases on notebooks or bedroom walls.
How To Help a Teen Work Through Trauma
Help for teen trauma starts with an open line of communication. Parents should encourage the teen to talk about what happened and to express how they feel. Discuss ways the teen’s life may change because of this event and how it will remain the same.
Help your teen identify and avoid triggers that might remind them of the traumatic event. Please encourage them to keep a journal and write things they were doing right before experiencing panic or a flashback. That can help them pinpoint potential triggers.
As you learn more about how your teen feels and what they experienced, don’t be judgmental. Remember that they may react to something different than you would. You have the benefit of age and experience.
When To Consider Trauma Treatment?
Trauma treatment or therapy can help the teen deal with the emotional and mental health issues that stem from a traumatic event. The right program lets them talk with a therapist alone, in a group therapy setting, and even family therapy. It’s a combination that can allow them to work through the trauma on their own terms.
Trauma treatment can help teens that are having behavioral issues or who develop a substance use disorder. Trauma is often an underlying cause for both. It can trigger co-occurring disorders, too, such as depression or anxiety.
Seek Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery is a trauma treatment center located in North Carolina. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery works with adolescent boys ages 14 to 17.
Programs at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery include:
We create individualized care plans for each of our clients to ensure they get the therapy they need. We also offer psychological testing for teens to help determine mental health conditions that, left untreated, could interfere with recovery. When not in treatment, our clients attend classes and enjoy a wide range of activities, including adventures, sports, and gardening.
If your teen son is suffering from trauma, it may be time for treatment. Give us a call at 866.300.5275 or go online and fill out our contact form. Our staff at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can provide guidance on whether trauma therapy can help.
