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Identifying Trauma in Teens

When a teen experiences trauma, whether it is bullying or witnessing violence, they need our help. However, identifying trauma in teens is often a challenge as adolescents can usually isolate themselves from others, a behavior that is common amongst many teens. As a result, adults should keep an open dialogue with the teens in their lives to provide the support that is needed. With trauma treatment for teens, adolescents learn coping skills necessary to avoid destructive behaviors. If your son or daughter has experienced trauma, Destinations for Teens can support their mental health through various treatment options. Contact 877.466.0620 to learn more about dealing with trauma in teens.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is the effect that an adolescent will feel due to an unsettling experience. Examples of trauma in teens include:

  • Bullying
  • Being threatened with bodily harm
  • Car accidents
  • Displacement from home through eviction or relocating
  • Experiencing hate related to gender, race, ethnicity, or religion
  • Loss of a loved one, such as a parent or a pet
  • Mental abuse
  • Natural disasters
  • Physical abuse or assault
  • Sexual abuse or assault
  • Violent military combat
  • Witnessing a crime or a violent arrest

Identifying trauma is not always easy, especially for young adults, as they are sometimes not forthcoming with their emotions. Therefore, it is essential that adults consistently ask questions and maintain open communication with the young adults in their lives.

Signs of Trauma in Teens

It’s no secret that teens will all respond to trauma in different ways. However, as parents, guardians, and loved ones, it is our responsibility to stop remaining in the dark about the effects of trauma. Instead, we have to spend our time paying attention to the young adults in our lives and the challenges they currently face. Here are some signs of trauma in teens that parents should never overlook:

  • Appearing anxious and nervous
  • Fearful
  • Overwhelmed
  • Avoidance of triggers
  • Violent rage and outbursts
  • Shame and guilt associated with their trauma
  • Grief
  • Desire to feel numb
  • Insomnia
  • Night tremors and nightmares
  • Oversleeping
  • Appearing Withdrawn
  • Having sex with multiple partners

Identifying Trauma

The signs of trauma are not always immediately evident. However, it increasingly becomes apparent based on a person’s behavior. For instance, a young adult grieving the loss of a loved one may appear withdrawn from others. In contrast, a young adult who has been sexually abused may exhibit behaviors that make them feel guilty or shameful for what happened to them. When we begin to identify the presence of trauma in young adults, we take the first step in helping them to acknowledge their challenges. The next step is to support young adults in getting treatment if needed and using positive coping mechanisms that will lead to their healing.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Trauma, Reach out to Destinations for Teens

The next time you think your teen may be trying to cope with trauma, reach out to Destinations For Teens. Our trauma treatment programs will support your teen learn how to cope with any challenge they face. Our treatment programs that address trauma work in conjunction with other programs such as:

  • Mental health treatment
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Depression treatment
  • Anxiety treatment

In addition, Destinations for Teens offers therapeutic services such as art, dance, and music therapies to help adolescents express their feelings. If treated, teen trauma can easily be a problem your teen can overcome. However, by not addressing trauma, we could be forcing our teens to use substances such as drugs or alcohol to numb their pain. If you’re ready to help your teen navigate their traumas, contact an experienced professional at 877.466.0620 or use our convenient online form.