LCSD COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness Volume I | Page 21

Each year, children and adolescents experience disasters and
other traumatic events. Parents, rescue workers, and members
of the larger community can help children start the process of
recovery and overcome these experiences.
What is trauma?
When people think of trauma, they often focus on physical injuries. However, people also
can experience psychological trauma after witnessing or experiencing distressing events.
Trauma can be caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and
floods. It also can be caused by acts of violence—such as terrorist attacks and mass
shootings—as well as motor vehicle and other accidents.
Reactions to trauma can be immediate or delayed. Responses may differ in severity and
can include a wide range of behaviors and responses, sometimes influenced by culture.
Factors that may make people more sensitive to trauma include:
⊲ ⊲ Having direct involvement in the trauma, especially as a victim
⊲ ⊲ Having severe or prolonged exposure to the event
⊲ ⊲ Having a personal history of prior trauma
⊲ ⊲ Having a family or personal history of mental illness or severe behavioral problems
⊲ ⊲ Having limited social support or a lack of caring family and friends
⊲ ⊲ Having ongoing life stressors such as moving to a new home or new school
Common Responses to Trauma Among Children
Children age five and younger may:
⊲ ⊲ Cling to parents or caregivers.
⊲ ⊲ Cry and be tearful.
⊲ ⊲ Have tantrums and be irritable.
⊲ ⊲ Complain of physical problems such as stomachaches or headaches.
⊲ ⊲ Suddenly return to behaviors such as bed-wetting and thumb-sucking.
⊲ ⊲ Show increased fearfulness (for example, of the dark, monsters, or being alone).
⊲ ⊲ Incorporate aspects of the traumatic event into imaginary play.
Children age six to 11 may:
⊲ ⊲ Have problems in school.
⊲ ⊲ Isolate themselves from family and friends.
⊲ ⊲ Have nightmares, refuse to go to bed, or experience other sleep problems.
⊲ ⊲ Become irritable, angry, or disruptive.
⊲ ⊲ Be unable to concentrate.
⊲ ⊲ Complain of physical problems such as stomachaches and headaches.
⊲ ⊲ Develop unfounded fears.
⊲ ⊲ Lose interest in fun activities.