Signs of Trauma in Children

Childhood trauma is an event experienced by a child that is perceived as life-threatening, violent, and/or dangerous. It can cause fear and significant psychological, physical, or emotional harm. The traumatic event can be a one-time occurrence like a car accident, the death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. It can also be ongoing, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying.

Trauma in children can have detrimental impacts on their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. It can also carry into adulthood, increasing the risk of depression, self-harm, and high-risk behaviors.

Emotional Signs of Trauma

• Feeling sadness or worthlessness
• Intense outbursts of anger and aggression
• Easily frightened or scared
• Guilt or shame
• Depressed or alone
• Fear when separated from a parent
• Increased crying or screaming
• Feeling timid or pressured

Behavioral Signs of Trauma

• Low tolerance for frustration
• Dissociation, withdrawal, or a sense of being closed-off or shut down
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Regressive behavior, such as wetting the bed or thumb sucking
• Refusal to go to school
• Frequent crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Changes in eating habits or signs of disordered eating
• Reckless and risky behaviors, such as substance misuse or inappropriate sexual activity
• Self-harm or suicidality
• Extreme concern about safety
• Reenacting the traumatic event, especially in younger children

Physical Signs of Trauma

• Negative impact on immune system function, making the child more susceptible to illnesses
• "Sick syndrome," characterized by lethargy, headaches, and stomachaches
• Body dysregulation, where the child over-responds or under-responds to sensory stimuli
• Hypersensitivity to noise, touch, light, or smells
• Complaints of pain without a physical cause
• Desensitization to physical sensations, leading to unawareness of pain or touch

Screening

Pediatric healthcare providers use validated screening tools to assess a child's development, mental health, and behavior. These can help identify whether a child's symptoms are due to trauma.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

If your child has experienced trauma, there are resources available to support you. You can call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 to speak with a professional crisis counselor.

A Word From Verywell

Each child responds to trauma differently, depending on factors such as the severity of the event, their age, and their support system. After a traumatic event, it can be difficult to focus on moving forward. However, children can recover when they feel safe and supported by the adults in their lives.