We all know that teenage is a phase where we explore life, people, and fun. For us, it’s the golden era of our life which we never want to get passed through.
Where most of us had a lavish and cherishing experience of growing up, many teenagers and adolescents face nasty situations and sudden unwanted calls of life for which they were not at all ready.
These situations leave them with serious emotional pain, physical disorders and mental stress. This is called Teenage Trauma which we are going to discuss in this article. Let’s pay attention.
Understanding Teenage Trauma and Its Effects When Left Untreated
Before moving towards the solution, it is essential to deeply analyse the situation of traumatic stress in your teenage child. Teenage is the age when they begin feeling many complexities be it physical, mental or emotional.
Teenage trauma can lead to severe physical and mental consequences if left untreated and the treatment begins at home when parents and carers start understanding their state.
The reasons causing trauma to your children can vary and you need to observe them closely by being with them, talking to them and helping them break out of the pattern of stress and anxiety they have been dealing with for a long time.
What Causes Traumatic Stress in Teenagers & Adolescents?
The causes of traumatic stress in teenagers and adolescents vary on a major scale. At present, it is mostly due to the lack of parental support during the growth years along with the odd social norms and practices.
Besides this, performance pressure is another prime cause behind children developing a sense of fear and anxiety which eventually results in traumatic stress when they reach their teenage years. Below are the most common causes of traumatic stress in teenagers.
- Being neglected by family and friends
- Facing any physical or emotional abuse
- Any traumatic loss or grief such as the death or separation from the loved one
- Major accident
- Enduring a medical trauma
- Facing terrorism or a natural disaster
- Involved in interpersonal victimization or violence like assault and rape
- Facing strong competitors from a small age
- Not knowing how to express and communicate about emotional stress
- Not considering parents wise enough to understand their situation leading to the wrong suggestions given by friends or others.
Read Also: Why Mental Health Matters & How To Maintain That?
What are The Symptoms of Teenage Trauma?
The most common symptoms of traumatic stress found in teenagers and adolescents are as follows-
- Lack of sleep
- Mood swings
- Overreacting to minor scenarios
- Being Rebellious
- Remaining aloof and quite
- Anxiety attacks
- Difficulty in memorising things
- Lack of concentration
- Repeatedly thinking and talking about the traumatic event
- Feeling inferior or less confident
- Being overprotective of family and loved ones
- Strong emotions jolt of sadness, anger and guilt
- Loss of interest in friends, hobbies and life
- Leading sedentary lifestyle
- Self Absorption
How To Help Teenage Resolve Their Traumatic Stress
Experiencing teenage trauma is quite horrible. Nobody wants to be in that phase. So think once about how these teenagers are coping with their odd situation that we never want to even dream of.
They need your support, care and love. And, above that, they need their attention to be their best listeners; let them speak and speak without a full stop.
Allow them to grieve over the event and help them during their journey to recover by initiating these simple but effective acts. Let’s help them heal!
- Talking is therapy. Encourage them to communicate without judging or advising them anything about their scenario. Don’t blame them for their odd situations, instead help them to get out of that.
- Be flexible and wise while talking to them.
- Avoid shouting back or commenting on their rude behaviour
- Stop talking about their deficiencies and encourage them to involve in self-care practices.
- Allow them to explore more about their potential and talk more about what they like to gain their trust.
- Give them healthy food and a peaceful atmosphere to get a sound sleep. This will help reduce their stress and anxiety.
- Practice sound therapy to allow them distress. Play calm and soothing music during their relaxing hours.
- Encourage them to involve in social gatherings by counting on the positive points of their presence at the event.
- Help them to adopt a sport or any physical activity of their choice as this will help them not to overthink about the traumatic event and focus more on the life ahead.
- If you think, professional consultation or guidance from a therapist will be beneficial, don’t delay it.
- Keep encouraging them, pour love and care and don’t break the cycle with any odd reaction. You need to be patient enough to help them heal slowly and firmly.
Bottom Line
Teenage trauma, if left untreated; can lead to a compulsive nature of rebelliousness that nobody wants to endure. Thus, allow your child, cousin, sibling, friend or student to heal but remember that the process will take all your time and patience. So don’t push them to hurry but show love, care and concern.
That’s all that they need from you. If you think you need any suggestions or consultation over traumatic stress, connect with us. We will help you with the best-experienced therapists to impart the solution. We are there for you!
References
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trauma-and-teenagers-common-reactions
https://www.teensavers.com/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-teenage-trauma
