Parents can start by providing a safe and stable environment at home. Listen to their children when they want to talk about the trauma.
Well, first of all, parents need to educate themselves about post traumatic stress disorder so they can better understand what their child is going through. They can seek professional help if necessary, like finding a good child psychologist or therapist. In their daily interactions, they should be positive role models. Avoid overreacting to the child's symptoms, as this may make the child more anxious. Instead, offer gentle guidance and support. For instance, if the child is afraid to go back to school because of the trauma, the parent could gradually introduce the idea of going back, perhaps by first visiting the school playground after hours, and then slowly building up to a full day at school, all while providing lots of love and reassurance.
Well, in addition to what I just said, children with post traumatic stress disorder in such a story might also show withdrawal from normal activities. They could avoid places or things that remind them of the trauma. For example, if they had a bad experience in a particular park, they may refuse to go back there. Also, changes in mood like increased irritability or sadness are often seen. Their school performance may decline as they find it hard to concentrate because their minds are preoccupied with the traumatic event.
One way is to look for signs of excessive fear or anxiety in their stories. For example, if a child constantly tells a story about a monster chasing them and it seems related to a real - life traumatic event. Another sign could be the child avoiding certain parts of the story that might be associated with the trauma. Also, changes in the child's normal story - telling pattern, like becoming more withdrawn or overly excited while narrating, can be an indication.
Common themes often include fear and danger. For example, a child might tell a story about a dark forest full of scary creatures, which could represent the fear they felt during a traumatic event. Another theme is loss, like a character in the story losing a loved one, similar to how a child might have experienced a loss during a trauma. Isolation can also be a theme, where the story character is all alone, just as a traumatized child may feel isolated from others.
Yes, it can. Sharing is like unburdening. It helps the person to get it out of their system.
War stories can contribute to post - traumatic stress disorder in several ways. Firstly, the graphic nature of many war stories can be extremely distressing for those who have already experienced trauma in war. The descriptions of bloodshed, explosions, and the loss of life can act as powerful reminders of their own traumas. Secondly, the way war stories are told, often with a focus on the heroics and sacrifices, can make those with PTSD feel guilty or inadequate if their own experiences were more about survival and fear. This emotional turmoil can further intensify the symptoms of post - traumatic stress disorder.
A rape survivor had PTSD. She fought through it with the help of equine - assisted therapy. Working with horses helped her build trust again and gain confidence. She also participated in art therapy, expressing her emotions through painting. As a result, she not only overcame her PTSD symptoms but also became an advocate for other survivors, sharing her story to inspire them.
One common theme is flashbacks. Veterans often relive the traumatic events, like explosions or combat situations, in their minds vividly. Another is hyper - vigilance. They are always on edge, constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats.
A person who experienced a serious car accident had PTSD. Initially, he was afraid to get into any vehicle. His treatment involved a combination of medication and psychotherapy. His psychiatrist prescribed some anti - anxiety medications which helped him feel more at ease. In psychotherapy, he worked on identifying and changing his negative thoughts related to the accident. With time, he overcame his fear and now he can drive and travel without any problem.
There was a veteran who, after the war, couldn't stand crowded places. In the war, he was once trapped in a very narrow and crowded bunker during an enemy raid. Now, in supermarkets or busy streets, he would start sweating profusely, his heart would race, and he would feel like he couldn't breathe. He had to seek professional help to slowly overcome this PTSD.
Moms can also engage in fun activities with their children, like baking cookies together. This shared experience not only distracts the child from stressors but also creates a positive and warm atmosphere. Moreover, moms can give hugs. A warm and loving hug from mom has a magical power to soothe a child's frayed nerves.