Understanding PTSD: Causes, Stages, and Support for Children and Adults

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short, is a mental condition that may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying incident. It’s as if your brain gets stuck in “danger mode,” even though the threat has passed. Flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional numbness may result.

If you or someone you know is having problems with PTSD, then trauma and PTSD therapy from Sigma Wellness Center could be the much-needed intervention for the healing process.

What Are the Behaviors of Children with PTSD?

Children with PTSD also behave differently from adults, and so early recognition of these signs is very important. Parents and caregivers should realize that these symptoms are not deliberate but rather a result of the trauma the child has undergone.

If you are beginning to see symptoms of PTSD in your child, it’s advantageous to consult with a childhood trauma therapist at Sigma Wellness Center. Our trained specialists work with children who have experienced trauma.

Key Behaviors to Look For:

• Re-experiencing the Trauma: Flashbacks, nightmares, or repeating certain behaviours related to the trauma.
• Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or things that remind them of the traumatic event.
• Hyperarousal: easily startled, constantly “on edge,” or difficulty sleeping.
• Regression: acting younger than their age, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
• Withdrawal or Depression: more isolative or losing interest in activities

What Can Cause PTSD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD may be caused by a variety of traumatic experiences. The causes must be identified because it is the key to successful treatment of PTSD, especially in children. Some of the common causes include:

• Abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
• Neglect or witnessing neglect
• Accidents such as car accidents or near-drowning incidents
• Natural Disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes
• War or Armed Conflict

If you feel that your child or someone close may have PTSD because of any trauma, then it becomes critical to consult a PTSD psychologist or therapist near you. At the Sigma Wellness Center, we provide specialty care to help traumatised individuals heal.

What Are the 5 Stages of PTSD? Signs and Symptoms

According to the American Psychological Association, PTSD develops in five stages. These stages, when understood, will be beneficial for both individuals and their caregivers in the emotional and psychological challenges arising out of PTSD. If you or someone you know is experiencing these stages, it would be beneficial to consult with a trauma and PTSD therapist at Sigma Wellness Center for support in the management and overcoming of these phases.

1. Impact or Emergency Stage:

• The immediate, initial reactions to trauma: are shock, disbelief, and confusion.
• Physical symptoms include dizziness or nausea.

2. Denial/Numbing Stage:

• The emotional detachment and avoidance of thoughts about the trauma.
• A tendency to deny the reality of the traumatic event.

3. Rescue Stage (Intrusive/Repetitive Stage):

• Flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares.
• A sense of being “stuck” in the trauma, unable to move forward.

4. Short-term Recovery or Intermediate Stage:

• Processing the trauma, though still struggling with strong emotions.
• Consequences can be depression, anxiety, and anger.

5. Long-term Reconstruction or Recovery Stage:

• The process of healing with time, therapy, and support. Though the trauma may lose its controlling influence, occasional triggers can still arise.

Does Childhood PTSD Go Away?

Childhood PTSD does not just “go away.” However, with professional treatment and support, many children are able to recover and learn to manage their symptoms. It is necessary that parents seek childhood trauma therapists to address the root cause of the trauma for the healing of the child.

At the Sigma Wellness Center, we offer specialized therapy for children so that they get the best treatment and recover completely to lead healthy lives.

How to Help a Child with PTSD

Supporting a child with PTSD requires patience and understanding. Appropriate treatment can make all the difference. If you are seeking guidance, Sigma Wellness Center has a team of compassionate therapists who specialize in childhood trauma.

Steps to Support:

• Listen and Validate: Allow the child to express their feelings without judgment.
• Create a Safe Space: Consistency and predictability can help children feel more secure.
• Get Professional Help: Trauma-focused therapy, such as TF-CBT, is an effective treatment for children with PTSD.
• Minimize exposure to those things that can trigger the trauma.
• Be patient since recovery will take time, and consistent support should be provided.

Find Local Support:

Living with PTSD can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re searching for a “trauma and PTSD therapist near me,” “PTSD psychologist near me,” or “childhood trauma therapists,” we’re here to help. 

At our Sigma Wellness Center, we offer personalized PTSD therapy with kindness, empathy, and expertise. Take the first step towards healing and connect with us today – Get Started