Trauma is a complex condition that can be damaging even for adults, let alone teenagers who are going through the most vulnerable years of their lives. While it may be easy to mistake trauma symptoms for the typical growing pains brought upon by adolescence, there are still some things that set them apart.
Mental health experts say that if you notice the signs, you should never ignore them—instead, create a supportive environment for your teen and consider enrolling them in a trauma-informed treatment program designed for adolescents. This way, you can protect them from irreversible damage that can result from untreated trauma.
Teens and Trauma
According to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, up to 43% of teenagers have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. On average, 15% of girls and 6% of boys who have suffered through trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which mental health centers like Clearfork Academy define as a distinct mental health diagnosis characterized by symptoms that last for more than four weeks.
Clearfork Academy’s team adds that teens are particularly susceptible to the impacts of both trauma and PTSD. Unresolved trauma can result in chronically elevated cortisol levels that disrupt naturally fluctuating hormone levels in the teenage body, leading to physical and psychological symptoms that may place the individual at risk of developing additional mental disorders, like depression and anxiety, and health disorders, including heart and autoimmune diseases.
Signs of Trauma
It sounds dire, right? But if you manage to catch trauma early, you may be able to help prevent it from causing lasting harm to your teen.
Some common symptoms include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Sudden aggression or irritability
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Physical signs like stomach problems, headaches, or muscle pain
You should also watch out for social withdrawal and sudden declines in academic performance, as these are often indicative of an underlying problem.
Finally, never ignore substance abuse, self-harm, or suicide ideation. These signs point to severe cases and require timely treatment.
Treating Trauma in Teens
Because most teenagers have underdeveloped communication skills, they may be unable to verbalize their experiences, often necessitating professional treatment designed specifically for adolescents.
Luckily, specialized mental health centers like Clearfork Academy offer such treatments as part of their recovery programs, providing trauma-informed care to help teenagers address the root of their trauma and develop healthy coping skills.
There are many types of therapies a teen can receive in these programs. These include:
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain process emotional distress
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which addresses and reframes negative thinking patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation and resilience
Additionally, patients will often have the opportunity to participate in group therapy sessions to connect with other peers who have experienced trauma.
Integrative Treatments
A supportive home environment is one of the best ways to help your teen heal. If you see the opportunity to participate in family therapy, take it; these sessions will teach you how to improve communication between your teen and other family members.
In many cases, clinical treatments will also be complemented by recreational therapies for holistic care. Helping your teen discover new hobbies and activities they enjoy can really help them cope with their struggles in a healthy manner, making them less likely to turn to methods like self-harm and substance abuse.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
