The possibility of recurrence of the trauma experienced by the child, the scope of the trauma, the continuation of the trauma, the nature of the trauma, the trauma environment, the child's age, personality, upbringing conditions, developmental characteristics, family structure, education level, social beliefs, the value of the child in society, traditions and customs, Many factors, such as whether or not they receive post-traumatic support, can affect the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children 

Today, many children and adolescents are exposed to trauma. Especially wars, epidemics, devastating natural disasters leave deep traces in child and adolescent psychology. While families struggle with these major traumas, children can be neglected. Sometimes it is enough for families to see that they are biologically healthy, and psychological effects can be ignored. However, this great trauma, which even adults have difficulty in accepting, brings with it serious psychological problems that will not leave them in their later years.



Child psychology should not be ignored in events that negatively affect ordinary life, and necessary interventions should be made in a timely manner with the support of specialists. In the face of these events, the child may show approaches to the state of helplessness, fear and horror, such as the desire not to remember the event, overreacting, and an increase in the level of anxiety. This condition is considered post-traumatic stress disorder.

Trauma: 

There may be an expected but neglected or unexpected event or events. It can affect the child directly or affect a part of the society, including the child. Events that may have negative psychological effects on children may include:

  • Natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, fire,
  • Wars,
  • Terror activities,
  • Traffic accidents,
  • Physical or sexual abuse, harassment,
  • abduction,
  • peer bullying,
  • epidemics,
  • major surgeries,
  • Serious diseases (cancer, heart failure, etc.),
  • Difficult treatments such as chemotherapy,
  • Prolonged and laborious treatments
  • Grief status (loss of friend, teacher),
  • Loss of parents, divorces.

Post traumatic stress disorder: 

Children may react differently to a traumatic event that may be life-threatening and evoke feelings of horror, fear, anxiety, and anxiety.



The possibility of recurrence of the trauma experienced by the child, the scope of the trauma, the continuation of the trauma, the nature of the trauma, the trauma environment, the child’s age, personality, upbringing conditions, developmental characteristics, family structure, education level, social beliefs, the value of the child in society, traditions and customs, Many factors, such as whether or not they receive post-traumatic support, can affect the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is expected to occur within 2-6 weeks after the trauma. However, depending on the features listed above, it may show symptoms after months or even years.

Symptoms: 

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest in many different ways. Symptoms actually start right after the trauma, but can be noticed late if not paid attention to. It is expected that the symptoms will appear for a period of approximately one month.

  • Feelings of fear, horror, anxiety, anxiety, helplessness during and after the trauma,
  • nightmares about trauma
  • sleep problems,
  • A constant state of mind
  • Seeing memories that will remind you of the trauma,
  • Efforts to stay away from places of trauma,
  • The effort not to approach the people with whom the trauma lives,
  • Desire not to participate in trauma-related activities,
  • Increased anxiety, worry, stress when encountering objects that will remind the trauma,
  • Feeling constantly traumatized even when awake
  • Not wanting to talk about the trauma, avoiding expressing thoughts and feelings,
  • Loss of memory of the traumatic period,
  • Lack of interest in daily activities
  • future concerns,
  • desire to be alone,
  • outbursts of anger,
  • Excessive and meaningless reactions
  • eating disorders, loss of appetite,
  • Lack of attention,
  • decline in school achievement,
  • Tendency to violence, threatening behavior,
  • Difficulty expressing feelings
  • Unexplained crying spells
  • A feeling of guilt,
  • Behaviors such as bedwetting and thumb sucking
  • Using themes related to trauma in games,
  • Desire not to be separated from their parents,
  • Anxiety, depression symptoms.

Intervention methods: 

Recommendations for families of traumatized children: 

  • Listen to the child : talk to him, let him tell something, ask questions. Respond to him during the conversation, answer his questions, respect his views.
  • Do not force : Do not force him to speak, express his feelings and thoughts, he will talk to you when he feels ready, just make him feel that you are ready to listen.
  • Expression methods : Your child does not express his feelings and thoughts just by talking. Games, songs, pictures can be a method of expression. Play with him, draw pictures, sing songs.
  • Keep up the daily routine : Try to continue the daily routine activities as much as possible. Behaviors such as breakfast at the usual time, sleeping at the usual time, and complying with the game hours make it easier for the child to return to normal life.
  • Make them feel safe : Make them feel that they are not alone and helpless after the trauma, that you are with them. Express your love, show closeness and affection. Make you feel that you are taking the necessary precautions against the recurrence of trauma.
  • Encourage: Appreciate her positive behavior, praise her for how she stood firm in the face of the traumatic event.
  • Hope : Give hope that everything will be fine after the trauma and that measures are taken to prevent it from being harmed again.
  • Make her happy: Spend time with her, play games with her, cheer her up at every opportunity after the trauma. Get gifts.
  • Education: Do not interrupt your child’s education and course activities after the trauma, and ensure that they continue as before.
  • Get support : Do not hesitate to get support from an expert on most of you if needed.

Methods of combating post-traumatic stress disorder that can be applied by experts :

  • Psychoeducation . Informing about the trauma through individual or group work, drawing and playing games, and giving them the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts.
  • Gaining coping methods : To discuss the trauma, the difference between yesterday and today, to talk about the changes, to explain the methods of adapting to the new order.
  • Artistic activities: Providing the opportunity to express oneself regarding trauma through activities such as painting and music,
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy : Information and therapy programs for crisis management and gaining a new life order.
  • Group therapies : Groups experiencing the same trauma tell each other about their experiences and coping efforts,
  • Dynamic therapies : Focus on emotional conflicts and psychosocial disabilities.
  • Family therapies : It includes family-oriented trainings aiming to shape the approach of the family to the child after the trauma.

 


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