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Trauma responses: What you may notice
After trauma, you may notice change in your child's emotions, behaviour, sleep, relationships or everyday routines. Other children may show no outward signs at all. The following information was collected to help you understand some of the ways children may respond - and what you can do to support them as they heal.
Re-experiencing the trauma
Trauma survivors may re-experience their trauma through thoughts, feelings, memories, and other means. Re-experiencing a trauma can be very distressing, and may trigger uncomfortable emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness.
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks (uncontrollable vivid images and memories of the trauma)
• Distressing thoughts and feelings about the trauma
• Emotional distress or physical responses after experiencing a trauma reminder
Avoidance of trauma reminders
Because reminders of a trauma can be so distressing, it is common for trauma survivors to use
avoidance to control these reactions.
• For some adolescents, using drugs or alcohol to cope with uncomfortable thoughts or emotions
• Avoidance of activities related to the trauma
• Avoidance of people, places, or things related to the trauma
• Suppressing thoughts related to the trauma
• Avoidance of conversations about the trauma
Negative thoughts or feelings
Negative thoughts or feelings may begin or worsen after experiencing a trauma. Some of these
thoughts and feelings might not seem to relate directly to the trauma.
• Excessive blame toward oneself or others related to the trauma
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feelings of isolation or disconnection from surroundings
• Difficulty experiencing positive feelings
• Difficulty remembering parts of the traumatic experience
• Excessive negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Feeling on edge or highly alert
Reactivity, or a feeling of being “on edge”, may begin or worsen after experiencing a trauma. This category includes a broad range of physical and psychological symptoms.
• Becoming irritable, quick to anger, or aggressive
• Heightened startle reaction
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequently scanning the environment or watching for trauma reminders
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of anxiety, and related symptoms such as a racing heart, upset stomach or headaches
• Risky or impulsive behaviors
the essentials
There is no single “normal” response to trauma. Children may react in very different ways — and some may show few or no outward signs.
Reactions can affect emotions, behaviour, thoughts and the body. Sleep, concentration, relationships and everyday routines may also change.
Some reactions are the brain and body trying to stay safe. Avoidance, being highly alert or reacting strongly to reminders are not simply a child “misbehaving.”
Reactions may change over time. A child who seems okay now may struggle later, and difficult periods do not necessarily mean they are moving backwards.
Look at changes and patterns, not a checklist. A single behaviour does not tell you that a child is experiencing traumatic stress.
Support is available. If reactions are persistent, worsening or interfering with everyday life, a trauma-informed professional can help.
for additional reading and listening
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress: A Guide for Parents — National Child Traumatic Stress Network
A parent-focused guide explaining how traumatic stress can affect children, common signs and reactions, treatment options and ways parents can support their child at home and at school. NCTSN
Read Understanding Child Traumatic StressAge-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event — National Child Traumatic Stress Network
A practical resource describing how trauma reactions can look different in young children, school-age children and adolescents, with suggestions for how parents and caregivers can respond. NCTSN
Explore resources for families and caregiversTrauma Education Modules — Canadian Centre for Child Protection
A Canadian video series created to help young people and their families understand trauma, recognize individual responses and learn ways of coping with difficult thoughts and feelings. protectchildren.ca
Watch the Trauma Education ModulesPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can Children & Teens Have It? — HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics
An accessible overview for parents of how traumatic stress can appear in children and teens, including nightmares, avoidance, irritability, concentration difficulties, regression, hypervigilance and changes that may emerge later. HealthyChildren.org
Read about PTSD in children and teens