Post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD, for short) is a mental health illness that affects someone after they experience or witness a traumatic event. While PTSD is commonly associated with veterans or survivors of assault, it can also affect juveniles and adolescents. This mental health condition can profoundly impact a young person's life, but they can overcome it with the right treatment and virtual therapy. Here are three incredible pointers on juvenile and adolescent PTSD.
Pointer #1: The Signs and Symptoms
PTSD can manifest in different ways in juveniles and adolescents than in adults. One must recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD to help identify the disorder in young people. Some of the common symptoms in juveniles and adolescents include:
Nightmares and flashbacks: Juveniles and adolescents with PTSD may have nightmares or flashbacks of the traumatic event that caused the disorder. These can be distressing and overwhelming, occurring during the day or night.
Avoidance: Young people with PTSD may avoid locations, people, or tasks that remind them of the traumatic event. They may become isolated and withdraw from social activities or relationships.
Hypervigilance: Juveniles and adolescents with PTSD may be constantly on guard and easily startled. They could have difficulty sleeping or concentrating and may be irritable or angry.
Emotional numbness: Some juveniles and adolescents with PTSD may feel emotionally numb or disconnected from their feelings. They may have difficulty experiencing pleasure or joy and may have a sense of hopelessness.
Pointer #2: The Solutions
PTSD is a treatable disorder, and many resources are available to juveniles and adolescents who are struggling with the condition. Seeking professional help is crucial in helping young people overcome PTSD. PTSD treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication, and working with a mental health professional with experience treating juveniles and adolescents is essential.
Virtual therapy can help young people with PTSD learn coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to treat PTSD. It focuses on helping young people recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their symptoms.
Medication can also help treat PTSD. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms often accompanying PTSD. Working through those issues with a mental health professional is important to determine the right medication and dosage for a young person with PTSD.
Pointer #3: Environmental Factors
Creating a supportive environment is crucial in helping juveniles and adolescents with PTSD recover. Support can come from family, friends, teachers, and mental health professionals. Some ways to create a supportive environment include:
Listen: Juveniles and adolescents with PTSD may need someone to listen to them and simply validate their feelings.
Encourage treatment: Encouraging a young person with PTSD to seek professional help can be challenging but essential. Letting them know that treatment is available and that it can help them recover can provide motivation and hope.
Practice self-care: Caring for yourself is essential when supporting a young person with PTSD. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
Sow the Seeds of Hope
PTSD is a treatable disorder, and juveniles and adolescents struggling with the condition can recover with the right treatment and support. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PTSD, seeking professional help, and creating a supportive environment are three incredible pointers for helping young people with PTSD. With the right care and support, juveniles and adolescents with PTSD can lead fulfilling and happy lives.
Hope Seed Support Center is an organization that offers various services to the community, including counseling, nutritional therapy, and numerous other forms of support. Learn more about virtual therapy by visiting our website today!
