Did you know that over 3 million children are currently diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
With the earthquake that occurred in Haiti, that number will surely increase.
In a nutshell, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that people develop AFTER having experienced a traumatic event, such as accidents, natural disasters, or domestic abuse.
It’s important that you realize your children may not show any signs of PTSD right away. This could take weeks, months, or even years. So pay close attention to your child so that you could get help for him or her as soon as you can.
Here are some of the signs of PTSD in children from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Frequent memories of the traumatic event
- Nightmares, difficulty sleeping
- A lost of interest in usual activities or friends
- Problems with concentration and focus
- Avoidance of situations or places that remind them of the event
One of the worst things you can do to children with PTSD is tell them to think about something else, or to get over it. They need help, and saying things like that will force them to work out their problems on their own, which will most likely not work.
Your child may need intervention. You can get more information from the American Psychological Association or visit the American Academy of Pediatrics online. Don’t wait ’til it’s too late.
Has your child ever been diagnosed with PTSD? What was the traumatic experience and how did you help him or her get through it? You can comment anonymously if you’d like. Just visit the comments section below.
Could Your Child Be Suffering From PTSD? Know The Signs! [Michele Borba]
