The vast majority of all Americans will go through at least one traumatic experience in their lifetimes. Experiences of this type heavily strain the built-in human capacity to cope with extreme stress. Most teens and adults recover from them with the passage of time. However, your child may also experience prolonged effects following trauma exposure. If so, mental health treatment programs in Spokane, Washington can support an effective recovery. But why does lingering trauma occur? And what are some of its telltale signs?
The Basics of Trauma Exposure
There are many kinds of potentially traumatic events. Some of the most common examples include natural disasters and physical and sexual assaults. They also include bullying, intimate partner violence, neglect, and physical and sexual abuse. Despite their diversity, all traumatic events share something in common. Namely, they trigger a range of disrupting, short-term emotional and physical responses. Not everyone responds in exactly the same way. Still, typical reactions to trauma exposure include:
- Fear or terror
- A sense of helplessness
- Grief
- Emotional numbness
- Altered sleep and eating habits
- Exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Unusual aches and pains
In most cases, these reactions disappear on their own in a matter of weeks or months. But unfortunately, this natural, gradual recovery process doesn’t always occur.
Who Develops Lingering or Long-Term Trauma?
Anyone can potentially experience the effects of lingering trauma. However, studies show that teens and younger children are more at risk than adults. Why is childhood trauma so impactful? No one knows for sure. But one key factor is brain development. The parts of the brain responsible for processing trauma are not fully developed in teenagers and children. As a result, they appear to be less successful in coping with traumatic experiences.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Trauma in Teenagers
How can you tell if your child is suffering from the long-term effects of trauma exposure? Specific reactions can vary from teen to teen. But things to look out for include:
- Involvement in reckless or dangerous behavior
- Chaotic or unpredictable behavior
- Anxiousness that doesn’t resolve or grows worse
- A down or depressed mental state that doesn’t resolve or grows worse
- Withdrawal from social contact or communication
- Initiation of drug, alcohol, or cigarette use
- Increased use of any of these substances
Some teenagers develop diagnosable symptoms of PTSD, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Your child may also develop diagnosable symptoms of a substance use disorder.
Treating Childhood Trauma
Fortunately, a trauma therapy program can help your teen recover from a lingering traumatic experience. That’s true, no matter the source of their childhood trauma. Your child may also need additional treatment for drug or alcohol problems.
Psychotherapy is a core element of effective trauma treatment. Several kinds of therapy may be used. One common example is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Another is a CBT offshoot called dialectical behavior therapy. Each of these options can be conducted one-on-one or in group sessions. Many teenagers in trauma recovery also benefit from family therapy. This approach can be used to address the impact of traumatic events on the family unit as a whole.
Finding Help for the Long-Term Effects of Trauma
In Washington and elsewhere, you’ll find facilities that specialize in teen mental health treatment. The best of these facilities feature specialized trauma treatment programs. They also feature a range of beneficial therapy options. Regardless of the specific symptoms affecting your child, a customized treatment plan will support their recovery.
Seek help for the lingering effects of trauma exposure today. The sooner your teen gets help, the better. Have questions about your best options? Just consult your local adolescent mental health specialists. They’ll have the expertise needed to help you make effective treatment decisions.