Trauma in Children: A Primer

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN A PSYCHOEDUCATION MATERIAL

ORTIZ, REYES, PAGUIRIGAN, PENARANDA, RATON

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

TRAUMA DEFINITION

Trauma is the unique individual experience of an event or enduring conditions in which the individual's ability to integrate his/her emotional experience is overwhelmed and the individual experiences (either objectively or subjectively) a threat to his/her life, bodily integrity, or that of a caregiver or family (Saakvitne, K. et al, 2000).

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

1 PERSONAL PHYSICAL ABUSE (pinching, hitting) PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE (belittling, humiliation, shouting) SEXUAL ABUSE (rape, taking naked photos or sexual activities without consent) BULLYING

2 PUBLIC witnessing community violence (gangs) war and conflict terrorism natural disasters

SOURCES OF TRAUMA

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

BIRTH TO AGE 2 Inability to be soothed

IS YOUR CHILD SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA? are these manifestations persistent?

or comforted Frequent and long tantrums Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma Fear of being separated from parent or caregiver Sleeplessness Withdrawal from previously trusted adults Loss of skills such as use of the toilet and/or

AGE 3 - 5 Aggression towards family and peers Poor skills development Imitating the traumatic event Being terrified most of the time especially of things that remind them of the trauma Unusual clinginess Overly obedient because of fear of punishment Regressive behaviors such as wetting the bed

speech (quit speaking)

lifted from recognizetrauma.org

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

AGE 6 - 12 Unusually high level of anger/excessive temper Acting out in social situations School problems Difficulty concentrating, understanding instructions

AGE 13 - 18 Aggression towards family and others drug/alcohol use risky behaviors (sexual promiscuity, crime) unhealthy romantic relationships engaging in self-harm

Sexual knowledge

trouble relating to

beyond the child’s age

peers

Overreaction to

alienation

situations

inability to see a future

Re-creation of the

or hopelessness

traumatic event during

avoidance of situations,

play

places that remind of

HOW TO KNOW IF A CHILD IS SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA

trauma poor self esteem

lifted from recognizetrauma.org

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

TRAUMA IN THE LONG RUN criminal activities and delinquent behaviors sexual promiscuity at an early age cognitive difficulties: concentration, retaining information, decision-making suicide attempts and completion development of psychological disorders such as PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

1. Minimize exposure to media (graphic images, social media)

2. Provide opportunities for communication.

Encourage but do not force child to talk about the experience 3. Give constant reassurance and sense of safety to child (hugging) lifted from recognizetrauma.org

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 4. Always acknowledge feelings of the child regarding the experience ("It's okay to feel upset or sad") 5. Teach child how to communicate his/her feelings through new words and expressions 6. Establish new routines to replace old ones that may have been disrupted by the traumatic experience

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL - therapy is highly effective in helping HELP people cope with trauma Common types of therapy for trauma: 1. Somatic experiencing 2. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) 3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 4. Logotherapy

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

1

EMDR

the focus is on bodily sensations rather than thoughts and memories of the trauma. trauma-related energy is released (crying. shaking, etc)

helps in reducing negative memories and creating positive coping mechanisms through a mix of CBT and right-left eye stimulation

TF-CBT

2

3

LOGOTHERAPY

aids in processing thoughts and feelings about trauma. It helps in forming positive responses to trauma and  achieving post-traumatic growthÂ

finding meaning to through life experiences and existence

BOOK REPORT

4

TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

NEED HELP? COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN (CWC)

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD)

COMMITTEE FOR THE SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Contact details:

Contact details:

Contact details:

+63 2740 8864

(632) 931-8101

(632) 523 8481