
Most children are exposed to a traumatic event at some point, and while these incidents usually result in at least momentary distress, some children return to normal functioning within a short time. In the most extreme cases, however, a traumatic event can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A child may experience a number of potentially traumatic events, including the following:
• Abuse (sexual, physical, psychological)
• Life-threatening accidents or illnesses
• Violence in school or the community
• Bullying
• Domestic violence (witnessing or experiencing)
• National disasters
• Acts of terror
• Public health crises such as COVID-19
• Loss of a loved one, especially when sudden or violent in nature
• Refugee or war experiences
• Neglect
Even children who don’t exhibit the signs of PTSD can still struggle with various behavioural issues following a traumatic event. Some examples are:
• Anger
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention
• Changes in eating habits
• New fears or phobias
• Increased obsession with safety
• Increased focus on death and dying
• Insomnia and fitful sleeping
• Loss of interest in usual hobbies and activities
