ESCAPE
  • Physician Resources
Client Portal Login    In Crisis    Donate
Peace River Center
  • About Us
    • Quick Links
      • Contact Us
      • Locations
      • FAQ
      • Testimonials
    • Events
      • Calendar
      • Signature Events
      • Community Outreach
    • Leadership
      • Executive Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Clinical Leadership
      • Junior Advisory Board
    • News Media
      • Blog
      • News
      • Streamlines
  • Services
    • Children’s Services
    • Community-Based Treatment
    • Crisis Services
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Illness Recovery Services
    • Outpatient Services
    • Residential Services
    • Substance Use Treatment
    • Victim Services
  • Resources
    • Awareness Resources
    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Make It OK
    • Suicide Awareness
    • Screening Tool
  • Ways To Give
  • Get Started
    • Become a Client
    • Behavioral Health Navigation
    • Insurances Accepted
    • Medical Records Request
  • Join the Team
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Trauma in Children

You are here: Home1 / Resource2 / Mental Health3 / Trauma in Children

Trauma in Children

Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being according to the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Three Es of Trauma

Event

Event, experience, and effect are the three Ts of trauma. For kids, a traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity. Children may show signs of child traumatic stress when they have been in situations where they feared for their lives, believed that they would be injured, witnessed violence, or tragically lost a loved one. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures. Some examples may include:

  • Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse and neglect (including trafficking)
  • Natural and technological disasters or terrorism
  • Family or community violence
  • Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
  • Mental illness or substance use disorder (personal or familial)
  • Serious accidents or life-threatening illness
  • Military family-related stressors (e.g., deployment, parental loss or injury)

Experience

Experience is your child’s unique perception of the event described above. Remember an event that is scary or overwhelming to one child might not be for another child. You are looking to understand your child’s potential experience or perception of the event. Some feelings that your child might experience include shame, isolation, betrayal, fear, etc. Long after the event, strong physical and physiological reactions can persist including terror, helplessness, fear or heart pounding, vomiting, loss of bowel or bladder control.

Effect

The “Effect” refers to the impact the event and experience has upon your child. The impact can be short-term or long-term and it may come on immediately or show up later. The effect and experience of the event might result in new or increased problems in social or family relationships, changes in sleep, eating, or mood, and difficulties thinking, concentrating, and/or expressing emotions.

little girl being carried by firefighter away from active fire and flames in background

Important Trauma Reminders

Traumatic experiences can set in motion a cascade of changes in children’s lives that can be challenging and difficult. These can include changes in where they live, where they attend school, who they’re living with, and their daily routines. They may now be living with injury or disability to themselves or others. There may be ongoing criminal or civil proceedings. Remember, no age range is immune to the effects of trauma. Effects vary by age range.

Trauma-Informed Care at Peace River Center

If you’re interested in learning more about trauma’s impact on children, including trauma’s effect across age groups or protective barriers, the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), or rick factors and protective barriers, contact CommunityRelations@PeaceRiverCenter.org to schedule a training.

If you have children or youth impacted by trauma and are looking for trauma-informed mental health care or behavioral health programs, please explore our Children’s Services.

Sources:

  • Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions, 2020
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network,  n.d.
 
PreviousNext
12

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!
Sign up for updates!

Get news from Peace River Center in your inbox.

  • Please verify your identity by completing the following problem.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Peace River Center, 1239 East Main Street, Bartow, FL, 33830, US, http://peacerivercenter.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Peace River Center Facebook Peace River Twitter Peace River LinkedIn Peace River Instagram Peace River Youtube

Services • Locations • Resources • Events • Donate • Contact Us

You Are Not Alone. Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

You Are Not Alone.
Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

Privacy Policy | Política de Privacidad | Portal | Auxiliary Aids Plan 2022 | Plan de Herramientas Auxiliares | Title VI Nondiscrimination Program Policy Statement | Title VI Complaint Form | Titulo VI Formulario de Quejas de Discriminación | Fòm Pou Pote Plent Pou Diskriminasyon | Transportation Services Promotional Statement

© Copyright – Peace River Center 2023 | Website Design By: MaximizeDigital.com

Scroll to top