Many experiences can trigger an emotional trauma response in kids, per SAMHSA. Children of all ages can suffer from traumatic stress after experiencing a violent or dangerous physical, psychological, or emotional experience, and it can overwhelm their ability to cope and heal properly, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Learn more here: as we may, we can’t keep our little ones in a bubble and protect them from bad things happening to them - especially these days, when it can feel downright impossible to shield your child from trauma. Read more about PTSD here on the Mental Health Foundation website.ĪCC funds support following sexual abuse or assault, in your time, on your terms. It’s quite possible to experience PTSD along with depression or anxiety. Many symptoms of depression and anxiety overlap with the symptoms of PTSD. For example, in both PTSD and depression, you may have trouble sleeping or keeping your mind focused, lose pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy, drink more alcohol or take more drugs, and avoid other people. If your reactions don't go away and these feelings are disrupting your life, you may have PTSD. Most people have some stress-related reactions after a traumatic event, but not everyone gets PTSD. You may feel very afraid and that you have no control over what is happening around you. natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquakeĭuring a traumatic event, you may think that that your life or others' lives are in danger.sexual, emotional or physical abuse as a child.Some examples of t raumatic events include:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a traumatic event, that is, something terrible and scary that you have seen or that happens to you. It can also occur if you learn that the traumatic event occurred to someone close to you. They can begin to get in the way of your daily life, and may lead to depression or anxiety. Many of these feelings are a normal part of grieving and recovering from any trauma, but sometimes these feelings go on for a long time (more than a few weeks).

physical symptoms such as unexplained aches and pains, nausea, extreme tiredness or loss of energy.

not socialising, staying away from people, strained personal relationships.

distress when something reminds you of the event.

repeating memories or bad dreams about the event.

mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, tension, negativity, gloom and disinterest.changing emotions such as shock, denial, guilt or self-blame.Whether you are personally involved in or witness, a traumatic incident, have whānau or friends who are injured or killed, are a rescue worker, or even if you learn about the event through the news, you might experience some sort of emotional response.

On-going trauma can result from relentless stressful events, such as childhood sexual, emotional or physical abuse or living in a crime-ridden neighbourhood where you never feel safe. A one-off event would be something like an accident, natural disaster, or an attack. Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by both one-off and ongoing events.

Signs of trauma