Trauma
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, in other words, it is the natural reaction a human has to a situation where they felt their life or the life of a loved one was at serious risk or danger. These reactions include thoughts, feelings, and actions that change as a way for the person's brain and body to try to keep the person safe.
What does it feel like for kids after court?
Feel good/relief, sad, mad.
"I'm glad this done", "I'm glad I'm moving away"
"I don't want to move away", "This stinks!", "I'm gonna miss my family and my house"
What happens if a parent or guardian is not taking care of their child?
Sometimes those children will move away and live with someone who will take care of them. Sometimes other adults get involved, like social workers or the courts, and help the parents/guardian to set certain plans to take better care of the children. There are also other options too!
What does it mean to be resilient?
Resilient means to survive and thrive even when circumstances are difficult.
Can you name 3 examples of a traumatic event?
Domestic violence, car accident, natural disaster, death of a loved one, assault, or severe bullying. (There are others too!)
Who experiences PTSD?
Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event and has the resulting symptoms (avoidance, re-experiencing, hypervigilance, and negative mood and cognitions). Anybody (adults, children, males, females, etc.) can experience it.
What does it feel like for kids when they move away?
Sad, Angry, little happy, Worried, Nervous/Scared, and maybe more!
DAILY DOUBLE: What is something you are good at? Or something that people admire about you?
Funny? Smart? Kind? Strong? Good friend?
Is resilience a choice?
Actually, no! Similar to fight, flight, or freeze people do not get to choose whether or not they will be resilient. There are so many factors at play!
Remember, it is perfectly normal to feel like you are struggling and not yourself after experiencing trauma. This does not mean you will always feel this way. The fact that you are here and pursuing treatment and healing shows great resilience!
True or False: There are not many people that experience traumatic events as children in the United States.
False! The statistics vary, but we know that unfortunately anywhere from about 20% to 60% of American children experience at least one traumatic event during childhood.
True or False: If you have PTSD, you will feel this way forever?
False! PTSD and the reactions to a traumatic event are treatable! That's why you are here! Remember, TF-CBT (the therapy we are doing right now) helps 80% of kids feel better in the end.
We can't change that the event occurred, but we can find ways to heal the wound that it left behind.
DAILY DOUBLE: What is one thing you are looking forward to?
Time with friends? Family? A birthday? Going to the pool? A sporting event?
What is neglect?
When the adults taking care of kids are having a hard time taking care of the kids. Ultimately, the child does not get the care they need, whether that is food, clean clothes, a safe place to live, attending school, or medical care.
What is something people do to help treat symptoms of PTSD?
Go to therapy, join a support group, and other methods of self-care (exercise, sleep, good nutrition, etc).
DAILY DOUBLE: What is one thing in your life you are really enjoying right now?
Is it the warmer weather? Flowers blooming? Time off of school? New puppy?
Can you name 2 symptoms of PTSD?
Avoidance (Not wanting to think or talk about the event), Re-experiencing (nightmares/flashbacks, feeling like you're back at the time when the bad thing happened), Hypervigilance (on edge, difficulty slowing down, increased worry/anxiety/fear), and Negative Mood/Cognitions (time alone, sad mood, thinking it was all my fault, and difficulty feeling trust)
What are some of examples of neglect?
Not having enough food or clothes, hygiene (not having soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, etc.), not having a place to sleep, not going to school, and maybe there's more!
DAILY DOUBLE: Who is someone in your life you can trust and lean on?
Mom? Dad? a friend? Grandparent?
What are two things kids might do (think: behaviors) if they have experienced a traumatic event(s)?
A child might spend more time to themselves, have trouble sleeping (or sleep a lot), feel scared out of nowhere, get in trouble more, have difficulty slowing down their brain and body, cry more often, have less interest in their typical activities, and so many more!
What is a common thought kids might have when they experience PTSD?
"This was my fault", "There is something I could have done to change the situation", "My life will never be the same", "I don't trust anyone anymore", "The world is really dangerous", "Something bad is going to happen again", etc.
True or False: Everyone experiences moving away from their family.
False. Not every kid experience this in their childhood. And of the kids who do experience it, there are different reasons they have to move away.
What are some of the reasons adults have a hard time taking care of kids?
Not enough money, lost their job, physical illness, mental illness, drinking alcohol too frequently, and maybe there's more!
Can you share a story of someone who was resilient? It can be someone you know, yourself, a celebrity, a pet, a sports team, etc.