Signs and Symptoms of Teen PTSD

Teens who have experienced trauma in their lives may be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Do you know what PTSD may look like in teenagers? Some of the classic signs we’re all familiar with in adults may not be the same as what you see in teenagers.

Learning more about the signs of PTSD in teens can help you know how you can best help your teen with the things he’s struggling with.

The signs of PTSD to be aware of

It’s essential to remember that the symptoms and the severity of those symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. Your teen may show mild signs, while another may show a much more extreme version.

Some of the things to be aware of include the following:

• Losing interest in things that once brought happiness, such as favorite hobbies or activities.
• No longer showing interest or excitement in special events such as birthdays or holidays.
• Detaching emotionally from family and friends while also looking to detach from loved ones physically.
• Avoiding anything that brings up thoughts and feelings connected to the trauma. This could include people, places, and activities that are related to it.
• Displaying anxiety over things that were once easy, like day-to-day activities, including going to school, going to the store, and enjoying dinner with the family.
• Showing signs of distress, anxiety, and panic when something triggers memories of the trauma. This can be confusing for parents who don’t yet know what each of the triggers may be.
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much can also be a sign of depression.
• Nightmares or night terrors.
• Flashbacks can occur anywhere and be triggered by anything that reminds them of the trauma.
• Struggling with irritability or getting frustrated and annoyed by things that were once a routine part of life.

PTSD can be complicated for an adult to cope with. For a teen who doesn’t have nearly as many coping strategies, it can lead to depression, anxiety, hyperalertness, and a struggle to find any sense of normalcy.

How can you help your teen with PTSD?

Whether the trauma is fresh or some time has passed, it is never too early to intervene and get your teen the help that he needs. PTSD can be complex, and treating it can be just as tricky.

• Starting with therapy. It can take time for your teen to feel comfortable with a therapist, so don’t be surprised if you need to go through a few to find the right one your teen feels safe opening up to.
• Considering peer groups. Peer group meetings can allow your teen to realize they aren’t the only ones who have gone through a trauma. This can be helpful and allow them another safe space to open up and share.
• Educate yourself as best you can. The more that you understand about PTSD in teens and the more you learn to understand what may be triggering for your teen, the more you can help your teen through his struggles. You may also find peer support groups with parents of other teens struggling with PTSD beneficial.
• Residential treatment programs. Sometimes being at home, going to school, and being around the same people can be difficult for a teen struggling with PTSD. They may not be able to recover and heal without healthy coping strategies. A residential treatment program can offer a safe and nurturing environment that will provide the intense therapeutic solutions a teen with PTSD can benefit from.

If your teen is struggling with unresolved trauma and shows signs of PTSD, Liahona Academy can help. Recovery is possible through treatment programs that address the individual and their trauma.