Whether it’s hearing about a natural disaster, witnessing violence on the news, or experiencing a traumatic event firsthand, children are not immune to the emotional and psychological impacts of these events. Understanding the different types of trauma and how they affect children is crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators to help support their mental well-being.
Types of Trauma
Children can experience trauma in two primary ways:
1. Vicarious Trauma: Vicarious trauma occurs when a child experiences trauma through the experiences of others. This could be through news reports, conversations, or social media.
2. Direct Trauma: Direct trauma is experienced firsthand by the child, such as living through a natural disaster, experiencing abuse, or witnessing a violent act.
Effects of Trauma
Children are incredibly perceptive, even from a very young age. Kids, even as young as infants, can sense when something is wrong, off, or not quite right. They soak in the feelings of those around them and will adjust in ways that we as adults aren’t always aware of.
When they sense danger, their back brain, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, will turn on. This will cause their body to release stress hormones. Over time, these hormones are not healthy to experience on an ongoing basis.
So, even though an infant cannot tell you how they feel, or you may not think they understand what is going on, they can sense it.
Signs of Stress Because of Trauma
Children often express stress and trauma differently than adults:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Withdrawal
- Outbursts
As a way to help process the trauma, children might also ask questions about what happened, or they may repeat questions and retell stories about their traumatic experience.
Recognizing the types and effects of trauma on children is the first step in providing them with the support they need. By being aware of the signs of stress and trauma, caregivers can take proactive steps to address these issues, helping children navigate their emotions and build resilience.
