Trauma and PTSD
What are some examples of traumatic events?
Abuse, experiencing or witnessing violence, car accidents, disasters, war, grief, etc.
True or False: TF-CBT helps kids learn how to deal with stress.
True.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is when two adults physically abuse each other or when one adult hurts another. Domestic violence can be hard for a child or teen to watch and can get a young person hurt, especially if adults throw or damage items when fighting.
Name one of the types of child abuse.
Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
What is an addiction?
Using drugs or alcohol can become a bad habit. Addiction means people have trouble stopping even when they know it’s harming them or others. It is a serious disease. Children can’t cause or stop addiction. Alcohol can affect people’s health and behavior badly. When people can’t control the amount they drink, they have a disease called alcoholism. People can get drunk and act mean or weird from too much alcohol. Alcohol can make “good” people act “bad.” Sometimes, people who are addicted have a hard time showing their care or love. They may not be fun to live with. Addicted people can sometimes act in hurtful ways.
What are some feelings, behaviors, and thoughts which kids who experience trauma might have?
It's normal for kids who have experienced trauma to feel sad, afraid, anxious, anger, etc. Some kids avoid reminders, self-injury, acting the same way the abuser did. Some kids think the trauma was their fault (it's not!), think they can't trust anyone, isolate, and think negative things about themselves, their relationships with others, and about the world.
True or False: My therapist will make me talk about the trauma before I'm ready.
True or False: Many kids in the U.S. witness domestic violence.
True. At least 1 in 15 kids witnessed domestic violence in the past year. Many of these kids also experienced child abuse.
True or False: Abuse can happen to anyone.
True. More than 1 in 10 kids experience abuse before age 18.
True or False: A lot of kids have parents who are addicted to alcohol.
True. 1 in 5 adults lived with an alcoholic when they were growing up.
What is PTSD?
When you've experienced a traumatic event and are re-experiencing it, avoiding reminders, changed thoughts and feelings, and hypervigilance.
Name some things you can do to help yourself relax.
Deep breathing, relaxation, grounding, play music, write, do art, read, talk to someone, count to ten, use a stress ball, take a walk, think happy thoughts, do something you like, etc.
What are some feelings which kids who see domestic violence might have?
Anxiety, fear, depression, anger, feel unsafe.
True or False: It's okay to hit, push, or call someone names when you're mad.
False.
What are some feelings which kids who have a parent who is addicted to alcohol might feel?
Guilt, anxiety, confusion, anger, depression, hard to trust others. It can be scary and embarrassing. It’s okay to love the person and hate the problem.
Do all kids who experience trauma get PTSD?
No. Almost everyone feels really bad at the beginning (sad, afraid, anxious, anger, etc.). Most start feeling better after a while, but some keep feeling bad for a longer time.
True or False: TF-CBT focuses on helping kids and their parents/grandparents overcome the impact of the trauma.
True.
What are some behaviors which kids who see domestic violence might have?
Sleep problems, aggression, fighting, isolating, bullying or being bullied. They might be too scared to talk about the abuse.
How do kids who have been abused sometimes feel or behave?
Kids who have been abused often feel afraid, numb, confused, guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed. But abuse is never the fault of the person who is being abused, no matter how much the abuser tries to blame others. Kids may be aggressive, not be able to focus, not sleep well, and may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
What are some behaviors which kids who have a parent who is addicted to alcohol might have?
They may try to avoid upsetting the parent who drinks. They might not share their feelings or ask for what they need. They might keep it a secret and avoid having friends over. They may have bad grades, isolate themselves, argue, feel sick, hurt other kids, take risks, harm themselves, try alcohol or other substances, become overly responsible.
True or False: Many kids experience trauma.
True. Studies show that about 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma (in the U.S.). Trauma can happen to anyone.
True or False: Kids who have experienced trauma will never get better.
False! TF-CBT is really good at helping kids feel better and having fewer PTSD symptoms!
True or False: Kids who have seen domestic violence can feel better if they have therapy and a safe, stable and nurturing relationship with a caring adult or parent.
True.
Why do kids sometimes not tell anyone about the abuse?
Here are some of the reasons kids sometimes don't tell: They don't realize that it's abuse. They think it's their fault. They don't want to get the abuser in trouble. They think the abuser is nice most of the time. Their family may say to keep it secret. It's normal to be worried or afraid of what could happen by reporting abuse, either because they fear what the abuser may do or how the family will feel if the abuser has to leave the home.
It can lead to child abuse, domestic violence, having a hard time keeping a job, not enough money, divorce, and the parent might recover and stop drinking.