Trauma
What is Trauma?
Trauma is when something bad and scary happens to someone.
Kids may not want to talk to their friends about the trauma. What are some strategies that kids can use if their friends bring it up?
It's OK to politely say "I don't want to talk about it." Change the subject. If they insist, walk away.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness. Everyone gets worried or anxious sometimes. When kids worry a lot, it can be hard for them to feel happy or enjoy certain activities. Kids need help for anxiety when they worry much of the time and their fears or worries make it hard for them to enjoy normal activities.
What are drugs and what is drug abuse?
Some drugs are bough in a drugstore and can help people if they are used properly. Too much drugs can be bad for your body and is called drug abuse. Some drugs are illegal an can harm the body like marijuana (pot, weed), cocaine, heroine, or meth.
Can kids make a parent stop using drugs?
Some kids think they can make parents stop using drugs. But drug abuse is a bug adult problem and parents need special help so they can stop. It is not up to kids to fix their parents drug problem. It is up to parents to get the special help they need.
What are some feelings kids might experience when they have been through trauma?
Kids may feel scared, sad, or angry when they think about the trauma. They may feel confused about why it happened. They may be worried that more bad things will happen. Kids might have a lot of mixed up emotions about what happened--there is no right or wrong way to feel. Talking about feelings helps kids feel better.
What is fight, flight, freeze response?
When a person thinks that something dangerous is about to happen, their body makes chemicals that get them to fight off the danger or run away from the danger (flight) or get very still (freeze). This can protect you when there is real danger, but it can be a problem when there is no real danger. Ask therapist for examples!
True/False. Many kids feel scared or embarrassed to admit that they feel afraid, anxious, or worried a lot.
True. Many kids find it hard to admit when they are scared or worried. Some kids may think they should act tougher or they are too old to be scared. It's important for kids to know it is OK to have worries and fears. Admitting that you have them is the first step to getting better!
What does getting high mean?
Getting high means using a lot of drugs. When someone gets high they cannot think properly. They may act weird, or they may even become mean or scary.
How might kids feel when someone in their family has a drug problem?
If someone in a family has a drug problem, things at home might not feel calm or safe. Kids may feel worried, scared, angry, sad, embarrassed, guilty, confused, or unloved. All these feelings are normal. Talking to a safe adult about your feelings will make you feel better.
What are some reactions that kids might have when they have been through trauma?
Kids who have been through trauma often have nightmares or scary memories about what happened. They may feel very nervous and jumpy. Some kids feel so angry that they loose their temper a lot. Some kids are so scared or worried that they get headaches or stomachaches. Kids that go to therapy learn different ways to handle their emotions.
What does anxiety feel like in the body?
When you feel anxious or worried, you might get an upset stomach or diarrhea. Your body might get hot and sweaty. You might feel dizzy or shaky or even feel that you are about to throw up or faint. Your heart might beat fast or you might have trouble breathing. Therapy teaches ways to handle your anxiety so your body does not feel so bad.
Why would someone use drugs that are bad for you?
People use drugs because they like it, even thought they know they using these kinds of drugs are bad for the body. Even though using drugs can be bad for the body, it is very hard for some people to stop. But people with a drug problem can get special help to quit using drugs.
What is a trauma trigger?
A trauma trigger is something that reminds you of the trauma and it makes you feel scared. A trauma trigger might be a person or place or even sound or smell, or anything else that reminds you of what happened. Therapy helps kids learn how to deal with trauma triggers.
True/False. Some anxiety can be helpful.
True. Anxiety can actually be helpful in order to protect you from danger. For example, if you are crossing the street and a car comes toward you, anxiety alerts your body to get out of the way to safety.
Some people think using drugs will make them feel better. But using drugs causes more problems. People who have a drug problem need special help to learn better ways to make themselves feel better.
True or False. When kids have experienced a trauma, they may hide their upset feelings because they don't want others to know how they really feel.
True! It is common for kids to hide their upset feelings. But it's healthier to express your true feelings rather than pretending you are okay.
True/False. The goal of therapy is to make anxiety go away.
False. Remember some anxiety is normal and helpful, so we need a certain amount of anxiety. The goal of therapy is to help kids handle fears and worries so anxiety does not stop them from having fun or from doing normal activities.
Why is the drug problem a secret?
People may not want to tell others about their drug problem. They may worry that others will think badly of them and treat them differently. Sometimes a person may not want to admit that they have a drug problem. Sometimes kids think that if they talk about their mom or dad's drug problem, they will get their parent in trouble. They may also worry about getting into trouble themselves. Kids might feel that their family is different from others (for example the house might be a mess, there may be a lot of arguing, or the parent may often be sleeping on the couch). Kids might be embarrassed about what is going on at home, and might not want anyone to know about it.