Teen Trauma Treatment
Learn The Facts About Teen Trauma
Knowing the signs and symptoms of teen trauma is vital as a parent. Early treatment can help your teen avoid experiencing the effects of the trauma indefinitely throughout their life. It’s also important to learn the facts and statistics surrounding mental health issues that arise from a traumatic event. Below are some staggering statistics for your information:
- 61 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime
- 19 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 have experienced at least three traumatic events
- Children and teens who have experienced some form of trauma are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide
- Children and teens who have experienced trauma are four times more likely to inject drugs and/or become an alcoholic
As you can see, these statistics are scary. Let us help keep your teen from being part of those stats – seek assistance from qualified professionals as soon as you notice the signs and symptoms. Taking control of the trauma through treatment can help them live a full life free of a desire to escape reality through substance use or other risky behaviors.
BasePoint Academy INQUIRY
Causes of Teen Trauma & Statistics
Trauma occurs in 61 percent of teens between the ages of 13 to 17 at least once in their life, according to a new study. Sadly, the same studies show up to 19 percent of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 have experienced at least three traumatic events in their lifetime. Trauma experienced by teens may stem from the following events:
- Accidents
- Witness to a horrific accident
- Emotional distress caused by changes in the family dynamic, changes in their environment, or other unexpected events.
- Sexual assault
- Experiencing or witnessing physical violence
- Natural disaster
- Abuse/Neglect
- Domestic Violence
- Chronic Bullying
Common Warning Signs Your Teen Has Experienced Trauma
- Anxiety and worry
- Trepidation and fear
- Angry outbursts and uncontrollable rage
- Avoiding people, places, and anything else associated with a traumatic event
- Extensive grief
- Guilt that paralyzes the teen
- Feelings of nothingness and numbness
- Changes in sleep patterns and habits
- Night terrors
- Struggles with depression
- Marked shift in the relationship with parents and peers
- Increased involvement in risky behaviors
- Development of negative self esteem
- Struggles to identify the difference in feeling safe and being safe
Panic Attacks Caused by Teen Trauma
It’s not uncommon for a teenager to suffer panic attacks directly related to the trauma they experienced. Whether your teen suffered or was witness to abuse, an accident, or any other type of trauma; a panic attack is an involuntary physical reaction that can arise in response to being reminded of or having to face the cause of their trauma-we call these events triggers. Panic attacks can be interpreted as different medical issues so it’s important to correctly identify them so the right treatment can follow. When experiencing a panic attack, teens may show some or all of the following symptoms:
- Tightening of the chest
- Rapid, pounding heart
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Nausea
- Loss of balance
- Shaking or trembling
- Hot flashes or chills
- Feeling faint, lightheaded, or dizzy
The symptoms of a panic attack typically dissipate soon after the attack has ended, but most people live with the fear of having another attack, which can be crippling on an emotional and physical level. This fear can make it very difficult for the healing process to begin and often leads to more emotional obstacles for the teen.
Treating Trauma in Teens
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
“
Your trauma is not your fault, but your healing Is your responsibility.
– Peter A. Levine
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Informed Care
Additional Trauma Treatment Methods
There usually isn’t just one solution when it comes to helping a teen recover after experiencing a traumatic event. We employ multiple therapeutic disciplines alongside the previously mentioned clinical treatment options. The right treatment program for your teen could include the following:
- Art therapy
- Mindfulness
- Medication management
- Family therapy
- Wellness
- Journaling
- Reality therapy
- Solution-focused