Signs of Psychological Trauma in Children: 18 Manifestations of Psychological Crisis

Each year, millions of children worldwide face traumatic events such as accidents, violence, natural disasters, loss of loved ones, or bullying. Research shows that not all children who experience trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but if mental injuries are not detected and supported in time, they can have long-lasting effects on a child's emotions, behavior, learning ability, and development.

The worrying thing is that the signs of psychological trauma in children are often unclear. Many children do not know how to express their feelings, only showing changes in personality, sleep, academic performance, or daily behavior. Therefore, early recognition of unusual signs is key to helping children receive timely support.

In this article, Tiptory will help you recognize the signs of psychological trauma in children, understand why children are hurt after an incident, and know when to seek professional help. Early detection not only helps children recover better but also reduces the risk of long-term psychological effects in the future.

Part 1: Physical manifestations of psychological trauma in children

Sign 1: Recognizing changes in a child's personality

Compare the child's behavior before and after the incident

• One of the most noticeable signs of psychological trauma in children is a clear change in personality and behavior after experiencing a traumatic event. Therefore, recall how the child used to behave and compare it to the present.
• If the child shows completely different behaviors from their original personality, especially if the changes are sudden and prolonged, this could be a sign that the child is experiencing psychological difficulties and needs more attention.

Recognizing unusual personality changes

• Some children who were once confident and outgoing may become shy, afraid of disappointing others, or always try to please everyone after an incident.
• Conversely, children who were once cheerful and sociable may gradually become withdrawn, less communicative, avoid favorite activities, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed.
• These personality changes in children, if sudden, without clear cause, and lasting for several weeks, need careful monitoring.

Pay attention to erratic emotional changes

• Children with psychological trauma can experience rapid emotional shifts, such as being quiet and withdrawn, but then immediately becoming irritable, angry, or aggressive.
• The continuous shift between many intense emotional states is a sign that the child may be having difficulty controlling their emotions after the incident.

Monitor over a period of time

• Not all behavioral changes are signs of psychological trauma in children. Children can also change due to academic pressure, living environment, or natural developmental stages.
• However, if changes in personality, emotions, and behavior persist and affect learning, daily life, or relationships, parents should proactively talk to the child and consider seeking support from a child psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment and timely intervention.

Sign 2: Observe emotional sensitivity levels

Notice if the child is sadder or cries more easily than before

• After a major incident, psychological trauma in children can cause them to react strongly to very normal situations. Children may cry, whine, or appear sad over small things that previously did not bother them.
• If you notice that the child frequently loses composure, has difficulty controlling emotions, or overreacts compared to their previous personality, this could be a sign of psychological injury in the child that needs attention.

Compare with the child's personality and age

• Each child has different emotional control abilities. Children aged 2–7 are often more prone to crying or anger during their emotional development stage.
• The important thing is not whether the child cries or not, but whether the intensity and frequency of these reactions have significantly increased after experiencing the incident.
• Comparing current behavior with the child's previous personality will help parents more accurately identify signs of psychological trauma in children.

Pay attention to the child's reaction when reminded of the incident

• Many children become anxious, fearful, or cry when they see a person, an object, a place, or hear a sound that reminds them of the event that occurred.
• Some children may deliberately avoid elements related to the incident because they make them feel insecure or scared.
• This is a common reaction in children who have experienced psychological trauma, indicating that memories of the event are still affecting the child's emotions.

Monitor changes over a long period

• If the child continuously becomes sensitive, emotional, or overreacts for many weeks, especially when these manifestations affect their studies, play, or daily life, parents should proactively talk to the child and seek support from a psychologist when necessary.
• Early detection and appropriate support will help children overcome psychological trauma more effectively, while reducing the risk of long-term effects on mental health.

Sign 3: Recognizing signs of regression in children

Observe if the child reverts to behaviors from an earlier stage

• A common sign of psychological trauma in children is "regression," meaning the child reverts to behaviors they had long since abandoned.
• Children may suck their thumb, wet the bed, cling to parents more, be afraid to sleep alone, or need to be cared for as if they were younger.
• These manifestations show that the child is seeking a sense of security when facing stress or psychological trauma.

Note that regression does not only occur after trauma

• Not all cases of regression stem from psychological trauma. Children may also exhibit these behaviors when adapting to major life changes.
• For example, the arrival of a new baby in the family, moving, changing schools, or changing caregivers can all make children want to return to old habits because they feel their previous life was safer and more familiar.
• Therefore, parents need to evaluate the context of the change rather than relying on a single sign.

Pay special attention if the child has experienced a severe incident

• Regression is quite common in children who have experienced deeply traumatic events, including violence, accidents, natural disasters, or various forms of abuse.
• If these behaviors appear immediately after an incident or persist for many weeks, this could be a sign of psychological injury in the child that needs early monitoring and assessment.

Consider the developmental characteristics of each child

• Children with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, are often more prone to regression when experiencing stress or environmental changes.
• In these cases, determining whether the cause is related to psychological trauma in children or merely a reaction to change can be more complex and requires assessment based on the child's entire developmental process.

Monitor developments and seek support when needed

• If regression persists and is accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety, fear, insomnia, avoidance, or significant changes in emotions and behavior, parents should take the child to a psychologist or doctor for timely assessment and support.
• Early intervention helps children regain a sense of safety, recover emotionally, and limit long-term developmental effects.

Sign 4: Recognizing unusual compliance

Don't confuse compliance with psychological well-being

• Many people think that a child who always obeys is a positive thing. However, in some cases, psychological trauma in children can make them excessively compliant, overly quiet, or always trying to please adults out of fear of being scolded.
• If this change appears after an incident or is completely different from the child's previous personality, parents should observe carefully instead of just seeing it as a sign of maturity.

Observe the tendency to avoid attention

• Children may try not to attract attention, express opinions less, not dare to object, or always yield to others.
• Some children are afraid of making mistakes, anxious about making decisions, or always try to be "invisible" to avoid conflicts.
• This could be how the child protects themselves when experiencing psychological trauma.

Notice if the child is overly obedient or overly accommodating to adults

• Children with psychological trauma in children will sometimes agree to all requests, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
• Children may constantly apologize, try to please adults, or always worry about making others angry.
• These behaviors may reflect feelings of insecurity or fear of rejection, punishment, or being hurt again.

Be cautious when a child tries to be a "perfect child"

• Some children suddenly study very hard, always want to achieve high results, do everything perfectly, and rarely express negative emotions.
• While these may seem like positive signs, if the child constantly pressures themselves just to be recognized or to avoid criticism, it could be a coping mechanism for psychological trauma.
• Parents should pay attention to the child's true feelings instead of just looking at academic results or obedience levels.

Encourage children to express emotions safely

• Create an environment where children know they can say "no," share their thoughts, and express their feelings without judgment.
• If the child consistently shows excessive submission, avoids communication, or exhibits other signs of psychological trauma, parents should seek support from a psychologist to help the child restore their sense of safety and self-confidence.

Sign 5: Pay attention to anger and aggressive behavior

Observe if the child gets angry more easily than before

• A common sign of psychological trauma in children is an increase in anger outbursts or excessive emotional reactions. Children may become irritable over small things, lose their temper easily, or have emotional explosions without clear reason.
• If these manifestations appear after an incident and are significantly different from their previous personality, parents should consider this a sign that needs attention.

Recognizing defiant and aggressive behavior

• Children may frequently argue, react harshly to adults, or have difficulty accepting rules at home and school.
• Some children may start hitting friends, pushing, throwing objects, or engaging in aggressive behavior towards siblings and those around them.
• In many cases, anger is not a sign of a child being "naughty" but rather a way for them to express fear, stress, or psychological trauma that they don't yet know how to put into words.

Watch for frequent trouble at school

• Children who have experienced psychological trauma may consistently violate rules, conflict with friends or teachers, or receive more reprimands than before.
• These changes are particularly noteworthy if the incident occurred at school, such as bullying, school violence, or witnessing a serious event.
• When the learning environment reminds them of a traumatic experience, children may react with defiance or avoidance as a way to protect themselves.

Don't just look at the behavior, understand the cause

• Instead of quickly concluding that the child is stubborn or undisciplined, parents should take time to listen and understand what is causing the child stress.
• Talk to teachers to learn about changes in the classroom, and also observe if the child shows additional signs of psychological trauma in children such as insomnia, anxiety, withdrawal, or fear.
• If aggressive behaviors persist or worsen, taking the child to a psychologist will help identify the cause and provide appropriate support, helping the child to recover emotionally in a healthy way.

Sign 6: Monitor physical symptoms

Don't ignore unusual physical symptoms

• Psychological trauma in children not only affects emotions but can also cause many physical manifestations. Children may frequently complain of headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, or mild fever, but a medical examination finds no clear underlying medical cause.
• This is a common reaction when children are under prolonged psychological stress or cannot express their emotions verbally.

Observe when symptoms appear

• Pay attention to whether symptoms worsen when the child faces situations that remind them of the incident.
• For example, a child may have a stomachache, headache, or nausea before school if they have been bullied or experienced a traumatic event at school.
• These reactions indicate that the child's body is responding to stress and anxiety, not simply a common health problem.

Don't immediately assume the child is faking illness

• Some children may ask to stay home from school or say they are unwell after an incident. While in some cases children want to avoid an environment that frightens them, parents should not hastily conclude that the child is faking illness.
• Psychological trauma in children can create very real physical symptoms. Prolonged stress can affect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, making the child feel tired or achy even without a specific illness.

Take the child for medical examination when necessary and pay attention to mental health

• If the child consistently experiences symptoms such as recurrent headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, or fever, parents should take the child to a medical facility to rule out physical causes.
• If the examination results show no illness but symptoms persist, consider the possibility of psychological trauma in children and seek support from a mental health professional.
• Caring for both physical and mental health will help children recover comprehensively, reduce stress, and quickly regain a sense of safety after the incident.

Part 2: Abnormal psychological signs in children that parents need to know

Sign 1: Monitor daily behavior changes

Compare the child's behavior before and after the incident

• One of the easily recognizable signs of psychological trauma in children is a significant change in behavior after experiencing a traumatic event.
• If the child behaves very differently than before and these changes appear shortly after the incident, parents should pay special attention.
• In addition to personality changes, children may also show many signs of anxiety, insecurity, or a loss of a sense of safety in daily life.

Observe difficulties in daily activities

• After psychological trauma, many children begin to have difficulty with activities that were once familiar.
• Children may not want to go to sleep, be afraid to sleep alone, refuse to go to school, or avoid meeting friends and participating in favorite activities.
• For young children, not wanting to go to school or sleep is sometimes normal. However, if these behaviors occur more frequently, last longer, or become more severe than before, it could be a sign that the child is experiencing psychological problems.

Monitor changes in learning and development

• Psychological trauma in children can lead to decreased concentration, declining academic performance, or loss of interest in learning.
• Some children also show regressive phenomena, such as becoming more dependent on adults than before, losing acquired skills, or reverting to behaviors from an earlier stage.
• If these changes begin after an incident and last for several weeks, parents should consider the possibility that the child is affected by childhood psychological trauma.

Pay attention when a child suddenly withdraws

• Some children who were once lively and outgoing may become quiet, avoid communication, or no longer want to participate in activities with family and friends.
• Children may also prefer to be alone, share less emotion, or seem indifferent to things that once made them happy.
• Prolonged withdrawal is a sign that needs to be monitored as it may indicate that the child has not yet overcome the effects of the incident.

Assess holistically rather than focusing on a single symptom

• Do not conclude that a child has psychological trauma based on a single change. Observe multiple signs simultaneously, including the child's emotions, behavior, sleep, learning, and relationships.
• If symptoms persist, worsen, or affect daily life, parents should take the child to a psychologist or doctor for evaluation and timely support. Early detection will help children recover better and reduce the risk of long-term effects on mental health.

Sign 2: Observe unusual clinging

Notice if the child clings to familiar people or objects

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is the need to be near a trusted person or carry a familiar item at all times.
• Children may not want to leave their parents, caregivers, or always carry a blanket, teddy bear, stuffed animal, or favorite toy to feel safe.
• If separated from this person or object, the child may panic, cry, or become extremely anxious.

Pay attention to anxiety when separated from caregivers

• After an incident, many children experience separation anxiety, always afraid of being away from their parents or caregivers.
• Children may constantly ask where their parents are going, not want to stay at school, refuse to sleep alone, or worry when a loved one is out of sight.
• These reactions often stem from a sense of insecurity after childhood psychological trauma.

Distinguish between developmental stages and abnormal signs

• Carrying a favorite teddy bear or blanket is a normal developmental stage for many young children.
• However, if the child did not previously have this habit but suddenly starts clinging to an item, or the degree of dependence significantly increases after the incident, parents should take note.
• A concerning sign is if the child becomes stressed, anxious, or cries when separated from that item, as this could be the child's way of creating a sense of security to cope with psychological trauma.

Note that not all children cling

• Each child reacts to trauma differently. While some children become more dependent on loved ones, some do the opposite.
• Children may withdraw, limit conversation, avoid contact with family and friends, or prefer to be alone for extended periods.
• Both types of reactions can be signs of psychological trauma in children and need to be observed in the specific context.

Pay special attention if the child has recently experienced loss

• If the incident involves the death of a loved one, the child may cling to items that belonged to the deceased or objects that remind them of that person.
• Children may also constantly want to revisit places where they had good memories with the deceased as a way to preserve memories and seek comfort.
• This is a possible reaction in the process of a child dealing with loss. However, if the child is overly obsessed, unable to adapt to life, or the symptoms are prolonged and affect daily activities, parents should consider seeking support from a mental health professional to help the child overcome grief in a healthy way.

Sign 3: Monitor fear at bedtime

Observe changes in the child's sleep

• Psychological trauma in children often directly affects sleep quality. Children may have difficulty falling asleep, sleep lightly, wake up frequently, or constantly refuse to go to sleep.
• If the child used to sleep normally but these problems appear after an incident, parents should consider this a sign to be monitored.

Pay attention to fears that appear at night

• After a traumatic event, many children begin to be afraid to sleep alone, dare not turn off the lights, or do not want to sleep in their own room, even though they were completely normal before.
• Some children only feel secure when their parents or caregivers are nearby.
• These manifestations can reflect prolonged insecurity due to psychological trauma in children.

Monitor nightmares and night terrors

• Children may have frightening dreams, wake up in the middle of the night in a state of panic, or frequently cry or scream in their sleep.
• Prolonged nightmares make children afraid to sleep, cause insufficient sleep, and affect their mood and learning ability during the day.
• This is one of the common signs of psychological trauma in children after experiencing a severe incident.

Understand why the child refuses to go to bed

• Not all cases of children not wanting to go to bed are related to trauma. Many children just want to continue playing or are not ready to end their daily activities.
• Parents should gently ask the child why. If the child says they are afraid to be alone, afraid of the dark, afraid something will happen, or worried about scary images, the likelihood of psychological problems is higher.
• Listening without judgment will help children feel safe to share their true emotions.

Note the phenomenon of flashbacks about the incident

• Some children may suddenly recall past events as if reliving the trauma. They may become frightened, cry, scream, or react strongly to sounds, images, or situations that trigger these memories.
• These post-traumatic flashbacks can occur both during the day and while sleeping, and are a sign that the traumatic memory is still affecting the child's mental health.

Helping children regain a sense of safety before bedtime

• Parents should maintain a regular bedtime, create a quiet sleeping environment, limit factors that make the child anxious, and spend time talking with the child before bed.
• If insomnia, nightmares, night terrors, or other symptoms related to childhood trauma persist for several weeks and affect daily activities, it is advisable to take the child to a psychologist or doctor for evaluation and timely support.

Sign 4: Notice the fear of recurrence

Observe if the child is constantly worried that the event will happen again

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is a persistent fear that a painful event will recur.
• The child may repeatedly ask questions like: "Will it happen again?", "Am I safe?", or "Will mom and dad be okay?".
• Even after being explained to and reassured many times, the child may still struggle to feel at ease because the sense of insecurity persists.

Notice excessive checking or avoidance behaviors

• After a traumatic event, some children try to control everything to prevent it from happening again.
• For example, after a fire, a child might repeatedly check the smoke detector or constantly ask if the door is locked or the stove is off.
• After a car accident, a child might repeatedly remind adults to drive carefully or become extremely anxious whenever they have to ride in a car.
• These behaviors reflect an attempt to find a sense of security, but if they occur too frequently and affect daily life, the child needs further assessment.

Observe how the child expresses the event through play or drawings

• Many children cannot express their emotions verbally, so they will reveal what they have experienced through play or creative activities.
• The child may repeatedly draw the same event, reenact a scary scene, or re-create the traumatic event with toys.
• For example, after a car accident, a child might frequently make toy cars crash into each other or repeat the same situation in multiple play sessions.
• This reenactment can be the child's way of trying to process the painful memory and is a sign of psychological trauma in children that needs to be observed.

Note when worry becomes obsessive

• If a child spends too much time checking, confirming, or engaging in repetitive behaviors to alleviate anxiety, this is no longer a normal reaction.
• In some cases, childhood trauma can increase the risk of obsessive and compulsive behaviors, affecting schooling, play, and daily life.
• If these symptoms persist or worsen, parents should take the child to a psychologist or doctor for evaluation and timely support.

Listen instead of just reassuring

• Continuously affirming that "everything will be okay" is sometimes not enough to help a child overcome their fear.
• More importantly, listen to the child's worries, acknowledge their feelings, and accompany them in the recovery process.
• The right kind of care from the family, combined with professional support when needed, will help the child gradually regain a sense of safety and overcome the effects of psychological trauma.

Sign 5: Observe the child's level of trust

Notice if the child has lost trust in adults

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is a change in how children perceive and trust those around them.
• After experiencing a traumatic event, especially when not protected or supported in time, children may feel that no one is capable of keeping them safe.
• Therefore, even if adults try to reassure them, children may continue to worry, be wary, or distrust those words of encouragement.

Understand that loss of trust is a self-protective mechanism

• After childhood psychological trauma, many children become more wary of everyone as a way to protect themselves from being hurt again.
• Children may be reluctant to share their feelings, refuse help, or keep their distance from others for fear of betrayal or harm.
• This is a common reaction after trauma and should not be misinterpreted as the child being stubborn or uncooperative.

Observe fear of people who resemble the perpetrator of harm

• If a child has been harmed by a specific person, they may become afraid of or avoid people with similar appearances, voices, or mannerisms.
• For example, if the perpetrator was a tall man, the child may be anxious when encountering people with similar appearances, even if they pose no threat.
• This is a common memory association reaction in children with psychological trauma, where the brain automatically links familiar characteristics with a sense of threat.

Do not force the child to trust immediately

• Pressuring a child to quickly get used to or trust others can make them feel more stressed and insecure.
• Parents and caregivers should patiently rebuild a sense of security by keeping promises, listening to the child, and respecting their feelings in every situation.
• When children feel respected and protected, trust will gradually be restored over time.

Seek support if the child lives in a constant state of vigilance

• If the child constantly distrusts others, avoids relationships, or cannot feel safe even in a stable environment, parents should consider taking the child to a psychologist.
• Early intervention will help the child overcome childhood psychological trauma, restore a sense of security, and rebuild healthy trust in those around them.

Sign 6: Observe fear of specific locations

Notice if the child avoids a certain place

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is fear or avoidance of places associated with the traumatic event.
• The child may refuse to go to a specific location, showing anxiety, tension, or panic as soon as they know they are about to go there.
• This is a common reaction when the brain links a location to a traumatic memory, making the child feel unsafe.

Observe the child's reaction when returning to the scene of the event

• Some children only feel secure when they are with their parents, caregivers, or have a familiar item with them.
• However, if left alone at that location, the child may cry, scream, tremble, or try to leave.
• This level of fear may reflect that the child's psychological trauma has not yet been resolved.

Note the factors that remind the child of the event

• Not just locations, but words, sounds, smells, or images related to the event can also cause a strong reaction in the child.
• For example, if a child had a negative experience at a therapy center or a specific location, just hearing the name of that place can make them anxious or fearful.
• These reactions are a manifestation of psychological trauma and should not be seen as deliberate defiance or stubbornness.

Differentiate between normal fear and abnormal fear

• Some places, like hospitals or clinics, can make many children anxious because of fear of injections or examinations. This is a fairly common reaction.
• What is noteworthy is when a child suddenly fears a place where they were previously very comfortable, or fears a place that most other children do not find alarming.
• If this fear is prolonged, intense, and causes the child to avoid daily activities, parents should consider the possibility that the child is affected by childhood psychological trauma.

Help the child gradually regain a sense of safety

• Do not force the child to immediately confront the location that frightens them, as this can increase stress and worsen symptoms.
• Accompany the child, listen to their feelings, and create opportunities for them to gradually re-familiarize themselves with the environment in a safe setting.
• If the child remains fearful, avoids situations for a long time, or shows more signs of psychological trauma in children, parents should seek support from a mental health professional for appropriate intervention and recovery.

Sign 7: Recognize guilt in children

Listen when the child blames themselves

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is a prolonged feeling of guilt or shame after a traumatic event.
• The child may believe that everything that happened was their fault due to an action, word, or thought, even if they were completely not responsible.
• These thoughts often stem from the child's attempt to make sense of an event that is too painful or beyond their understanding.

Recognize self-blaming statements

• The child may often say things like: "If only I hadn't done that," "If I had been better, it wouldn't have happened," or "It's all my fault."
• Even if adults have explained many times, the child may still believe they were the cause of the event.
• This is a sign that the child's psychological trauma is still affecting how they view themselves.

Notice repetitive behaviors due to guilt

• In some children, feelings of self-blame can lead to excessive checking behaviors or performing certain actions to prevent bad things from happening again.
• For example, if a child played in the mud before a traumatic event and then believed it caused the incident, they might become overly obsessed with cleanliness or constantly remind people to avoid contact with dirt.
• These behaviors are not merely habits but can be the child's way of trying to control anxiety and reduce feelings of guilt.

Help the child understand that the event was not their fault

• Parents should gently explain that the child is not responsible for events beyond their control.
• Instead of denying the child's feelings with phrases like "Don't think that way," listen, validate their emotions, and help them understand what truly happened.
• Patient accompaniment will help the child gradually release feelings of guilt and regain self-confidence.

Seek support if feelings of guilt persist

• If the child consistently blames themselves, feels ashamed, or exhibits repetitive behaviors that affect their studies, daily life, and relationships, parents should take them to a psychologist.
• Early intervention will help the child overcome childhood psychological trauma, adjust distorted thoughts, and actively recover their mental health.

Sign 8: Observe how the child interacts with friends

Notice changes in the child's relationships

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is a noticeable change in how they interact and connect with friends.
• Children may feel isolated, have difficulty fitting in, or no longer be interested in participating in group activities as before.
• Some children also become reluctant to socialize because they don't know how to behave or constantly feel different from those around them.

Observe how the child talks and plays

• After a traumatic event, some children constantly mention what happened or repeatedly tell the same story while talking and playing.
• This can make their peers feel confused or unsure how to react, thus affecting the child's relationships.
• Reenacting the event through words or play is a way for children to process memories and emotions after psychological trauma.

Monitor changes in behavior with friends

• Psychological damage in children can make them excessively shy, always yielding, and afraid to stand up for themselves.
• Conversely, some children try to control everyone, easily get angry, bully, or act aggressively towards friends as a way to release emotions.
• Both types of reactions can be signs that the child is having difficulty regulating emotions after a traumatic event.

Note that not all communication difficulties are due to trauma

• Some children are naturally introverted, quiet, or have communication difficulties due to other reasons and may exhibit similar behaviors.
• Therefore, parents need to assess the entire context, especially when changes appear and their connection to the traumatic event, rather than relying on a single sign.

Observe the content of the child's play after the event

• Play often reflects thoughts and feelings that children cannot yet express verbally.
• If the child repeatedly reenacts scary or violent situations or exhibits age-inappropriate behaviors while playing with friends, parents need to pay special attention.
• In some cases, abused children may repeat behaviors or situations they experienced during play. This is a sign of psychological trauma in children that needs to be assessed by a professional for appropriate support.

Accompany and help the child reconnect

• Create opportunities for the child to participate in age-appropriate activities, encourage them to share their feelings, and build positive relationships in a safe environment.
• If the child continues to have difficulty communicating, is often isolated, or exhibits many other signs of psychological trauma in children, parents should seek support from a psychologist to help the child recover their social interaction skills and develop healthy emotions.

Sign 9: Notice excessive startle reactions

Observe if the child is always in a state of vigilance

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is a constant feeling of lurking danger, even when the surrounding environment is completely safe.
• Children may frequently be stressed, look around, react strongly to small changes, or have difficulty relaxing during daily activities.
• This is a common reaction after a traumatic event, when the brain continuously maintains a state of "high alert" to prevent danger.

Notice if the child is startled more easily than usual

• Children may be afraid of loud noises, thunder, strong winds, slamming doors, or any unexpected sound.
• Some children also startle when someone approaches them, lightly touches them, or appears behind them without warning.
• If these reactions appear after a traumatic event and persist, this may be a sign of psychological damage in children.

Observe fearful or defensive reactions

• When feeling threatened, children may withdraw, avoid, cry, scream, or even react with irritability, defiance, or aggression.
• These behaviors are often self-protective reflexes rather than intentional disrespectful behavior.
• Parents should calmly reassure and help the child feel safe instead of scolding or forcing them to "be strong."

Distinguish from other causes

• Some children are inherently sensitive to sounds or environmental stimuli due to neurodevelopmental characteristics and may also be easily startled.
• However, if the child only starts exhibiting this after experiencing a traumatic event and did not show similar signs before, the likelihood of it being related to psychological trauma in children is higher.
• Considering the onset of symptoms and accompanying signs will help parents make a more accurate assessment.

Monitor and support the child appropriately

• Provide the child with a quiet, stable living environment and limit factors that make them feel insecure.
• At the same time, take time to listen, encourage, and help the child learn to identify and control their emotions.
• If the child is always vigilant, frequently startled, afraid, or exhibits many other signs of psychological trauma in children, parents should take them to a psychologist for timely assessment and support.

Sign 10: Listen to the child's fears

Notice when the child develops new fears

• One sign of psychological trauma in children is the sudden appearance of fears they never had before.
• Children may frequently talk about their worries, constantly ask questions, or appear anxious in seemingly normal situations.
• If these fears appear after a traumatic event and persist for weeks, parents should not underestimate them.

Observe the child's anxiety level

• Children with psychological damage often find it very difficult to feel reassured, even after adults have explained or comforted them many times.
• Children may constantly ask if something bad will happen again, or fear that they and their family will be in danger.
• These reactions reflect a prolonged sense of insecurity, rather than just shyness or being overly cautious.

Note if the child is overly concerned about family safety

• After experiencing war, natural disasters, accidents, or being displaced, children may constantly worry that their family will continue to be in danger or no longer have a safe home.
• Some children even try to "protect" their loved ones by repeatedly reminding everyone to be careful, asking about their parents' whereabouts, or not wanting to leave their family.
• While stemming from love, these behaviors can also be a sign of psychological trauma in children, as they constantly live in a state of insecurity.

Encourage the child to share instead of denying their fears

• When the child expresses anxiety, parents should listen calmly, acknowledge the child's feelings, and encourage them to talk more about what scares them.
• Avoid dismissing the child's emotions with phrases like "There's nothing to be afraid of" or "You're overthinking," as this can make the child feel misunderstood.
• Listening and accompanying the child will help them gradually rebuild a sense of safety and trust.

Seek support if fears affect daily life

• If the child is constantly anxious, has difficulty sleeping, avoids daily activities, or is always obsessed with their own and their family's safety, parents should take them to a psychologist as soon as possible.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial factors, helping children overcome childhood psychological trauma, reduce prolonged fears, and actively recover their mental health.

Sign 11: Recognize signs of a child's obsession with death

Listen when the child frequently mentions death

• One sign of psychological trauma in children can be their constant talk about death, loss, or asking many questions related to this topic.
• After experiencing a traumatic event, children may spend a lot of time thinking, reading, or talking about death as a way to try and understand what they have been through.
• However, if this topic appears too frequently or is accompanied by other unusual changes, parents need to pay special attention.

Observe changes in behavior and emotions

• Children may gradually withdraw, participate less in favorite activities, or limit communication with family and friends.
• Some children may also appear indifferent to things they once loved very much or exhibit other unusual behaviors in their daily lives.
• When these signs appear along with psychological damage in children, they may reflect that the child is under immense emotional pressure.

Contextualize the symptoms

• If the family has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, a child's curiosity or frequent questions about death do not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
• This can be the child's way of learning and trying to understand departure, separation, and changes in life.
• It is important to observe whether these thoughts gradually decrease over time or become increasingly persistent and affect the child's life.

Actively talk to the child with understanding

• Create opportunities for the child to share their feelings without fear of judgment. Parents should listen, answer the child's questions appropriately for their age, and help the child name the emotions they are experiencing.
• Maintaining presence, care, and support will help the child feel safer during the recovery process after psychological trauma.

Seek professional help when there are worrying signs

• If the child frequently talks about not wanting to live, expresses feelings of hopelessness, or has many severe, prolonged emotional and behavioral changes, parents should take them to a psychologist or specialist doctor as soon as possible for assessment.
• Early detection and intervention are very important, helping children overcome childhood psychological trauma, recover their mental health, and receive appropriate support from family and professionals.

Sign 12: Monitoring anxiety and depression in children

Observe changes in mental health

• Childhood psychological trauma can increase the risk of symptoms such as anxiety, prolonged sadness, or a lack of fear in dangerous situations.
• Among these, anxiety is one of the most common signs after a child experiences a traumatic event.
• If a child experiences many prolonged emotional or behavioral changes, parents should proactively investigate the cause instead of waiting for the symptoms to disappear on their own.

Monitor changes in daily life

• Pay attention to changes in the child's eating habits, sleep, mood, and ability to concentrate.
• Children may eat less or more than usual, experience insomnia or excessive sleep, be frequently sad, irritable, or have difficulty concentrating during school and play.
• When multiple symptoms appear simultaneously after an event, the likelihood that the child is affected by childhood psychological trauma is higher.

Be cautious of confusion with other issues

• Childhood psychological trauma can sometimes present very similarly to other disorders or behavioral problems.
• Some children become hyperactive, impulsive, have difficulty concentrating, or lose emotional control easily, leading adults to mistakenly think they are just being mischievous or have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Conversely, some children frequently act defiantly, get angry, or behave aggressively, leading them to be considered undisciplined, while the true cause may be undiagnosed psychological trauma.
• Therefore, one should not jump to conclusions based solely on outward appearances but rather thoroughly evaluate the circumstances and the timing of symptom onset.

Do not hesitate if symptoms persist

• If emotional, behavioral, or daily life changes persist for several weeks, affecting the child's schooling, relationships, or quality of life, parents should take the child for a check-up.
• An evaluation by a psychologist or child psychiatrist will help determine whether the symptoms are related to childhood psychological trauma, another psychological disorder, or a medical condition requiring treatment.

Early intervention helps children recover better

• Children who receive early support often have a better ability to overcome trauma and adapt to life compared to those identified late.
• The companionship of family, school, along with guidance from experts, will help children gradually regain a sense of security, emotional stability, and healthy physical and mental development.

Part 3: How to help children overcome psychological crisis

Method 1: Don't rely solely on outward manifestations

Understand that not all children express trauma

• Not every child who experiences a traumatic event will show all the signs of psychological trauma in children. Some children show almost no clear symptoms but are still suffering emotionally.
• Therefore, a child's normal activities or studies do not mean that they have truly overcome the event.

Children may hide their emotions

• Some children try to appear strong so as not to worry their parents or loved ones.
• Some children are afraid of being blamed, afraid of others being sad, or don't know how to express their feelings, so they choose to keep everything inside.
• Suppressing emotions for a long time can cause psychological trauma in children to persist silently and only manifest after many months or even years.

Don't evaluate mental health solely through daily behavior

• Parents should not conclude that a child is "fine" just because they don't cry, don't get angry, or don't mention the event.
• It is important to observe changes in emotions, daily habits, learning ability, relationships, and spend time talking with the child regularly.
• A safe environment, where the child feels heard and respected, will help them easily share what they are going through.

Always accompany your child after a traumatic event

• After any traumatic event, parents should continue to care for their child's mental health, even if the child shows no unusual symptoms.
• Proactively ask questions, listen, and create opportunities for the child to express emotions in an age-appropriate way.
• If you feel something is wrong or the child gradually shows signs of psychological trauma in children, do not hesitate to seek a psychologist or doctor for evaluation and timely support. Early detection always provides a better chance of recovery for the child.

Method 2: Accompanying your child after a traumatic event

Show more care and attention to your child after a traumatic event

• After experiencing a traumatic event, children need more care and companionship than usual. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of psychological trauma in children and supporting the recovery process.
• Spend time with your child, observing changes in their emotions and behavior to recognize when they need help.

Encourage your child to share their feelings

• Give your child the opportunity to talk about what they have experienced when they are ready, instead of forcing them or constantly bringing up the event.
• Let your child know that parents are always ready to listen whenever they feel anxious, scared, or have something to share.
• When your child opens up, listen attentively, avoid interrupting, judging, or denying their feelings. Acknowledging their emotions will help them feel understood and safer.

Maintain positive daily activities

• In addition to talking, create opportunities for your child to participate in age-appropriate play, learning, and daily activities.
• Positive experiences unrelated to the traumatic event will help reduce stress, regain a sense of normalcy, and gradually rebuild self-confidence.
• Maintaining a stable routine also contributes to improving the child's mental health and sense of security.

Limit children's exposure to stressful information

• If the traumatic event is widely reported on television, social media, or the internet, parents should limit their children's excessive exposure to such content.
• Constantly viewing images, videos, or news reports about the event can bring back painful memories for children, making signs of psychological trauma in children prolonged or more severe.
• At the same time, monitor the content children view on phones, computers, and online platforms to ensure they are not exposed to confusing information.

Create a sense of security and long-term support

• What children need most after a traumatic event is a feeling of being loved, protected, and believing that they don't have to face everything alone.
• The companionship of family, teachers, and caregivers can help reduce the severity of psychological trauma in children, while increasing their ability to adapt and recover.
• If children still show prolonged signs of psychological trauma in children or it affects their studies, daily life, and relationships, parents should take them to a psychologist or doctor for timely support.

Method 3: Continue to monitor the child long-term

Understand that signs of trauma may appear later

• Not all signs of psychological trauma in children appear immediately after an event. Some children function normally in the first few weeks, but symptoms of anxiety, sadness, or behavioral changes only manifest after many weeks or even months.
• Therefore, parents should not be complacent just because the child seems fine in the initial period after the event.

Maintain observation over a long period

• Continue to monitor changes in your child's emotions, behavior, sleep, learning, and relationships even after the event has passed.
• If the child starts withdrawing, becomes easily irritable, anxious, experiences insomnia, or shows other signs of psychological trauma in children after a period, parents should consider the possibility that these symptoms are related to the previous event.

Don't pressure your child to share immediately

• Each child has a different pace of adaptation and emotional processing. Some children want to tell what happened right away, but others need more time to feel safe enough to open up.
• Constantly questioning, forcing the child to recount details, or demanding they express emotions can make them more stressed.
• Instead, let the child know that the family is always ready to listen whenever they want to talk.

Create an environment for children to express emotions naturally

• Parents should maintain their interest, spend time with the child, and create opportunities for them to express emotions through talking, playing, drawing, or age-appropriate activities.
• A stable, safe, and non-judgmental environment will help children easily share what they are going through when they are ready.

Actively seek support if there are unusual signs

• If the child starts showing signs of psychological trauma in children even many weeks or months after the event, parents should not ignore it, assuming the matter is over.
• Early detection and intervention still yield positive results, helping children recover emotionally, regain a sense of security, and limit long-term impacts on their mental health.

Method 4: Seek support as early as possible

Do not delay when you notice unusual signs

• If a child shows signs of psychological trauma in children such as prolonged anxiety, behavioral changes, nightmares, avoidance, withdrawal, or other unusual symptoms after an event, parents should proactively seek support as early as possible.
• Early intervention helps children understand and regulate emotions better, while reducing the risk of psychological problems extending into adulthood.

The role of parents and caregivers is crucial

• How adults react after a traumatic event directly affects a child's ability to recover.
• When children feel heard, understood, and protected, they will more easily regain a sense of security and adapt better to what has happened.
• Conversely, if children are ignored, blamed, or forced to "forget about it," psychological trauma in children can become more severe.

Create a safe environment for children to recover

• Maintain your presence, care, and talk to your child with a calm, patient attitude.
• Encourage your child to share their feelings when ready, and maintain stable daily routines to help them feel like life is gradually returning to normal.
• Family, school, and caregivers should cooperate to provide children with a safe, consistent, and supportive environment.

Proactively seek professional help when necessary

• If the signs of trauma in children persist, worsen, or affect their studies, daily life, and relationships, parents should take the child to a psychologist or child psychiatrist for evaluation.
• Professional support combined with family companionship will help children recover more effectively, increase their adaptability, and limit the long-term effects of trauma on their mental health and future development.

Method 5: Take the child to a professional when needed

Recognizing when a child needs professional support

• The love and companionship of family are crucial foundations for helping children overcome childhood trauma. However, in some cases, support from loved ones alone is not enough for a child to fully recover.
• If the child continues to be anxious, fearful, withdrawn, changes behavior, or experiences difficulties in school and daily life after a period, parents should consider taking the child for a psychological evaluation.

Don't hesitate to seek professional help

• Seeing a psychologist or child psychiatrist does not mean the child's condition is overly severe.
• This step helps identify the cause, assess the extent of psychological distress in children, and develop a support plan appropriate for the child's age and individual needs.
• Early intervention often yields better results, helping children recover quickly and limiting long-term effects on mental health.

The family still plays a central role in the recovery process

• Even with professional support, children still need daily attention, listening, and companionship from their parents.
• Create a sense of safety for the child, respect their feelings, and collaborate with professionals to apply appropriate support methods at home.
• When family and professionals work together, children will have more opportunities to overcome trauma and develop more healthily.

Monitor the child's progress after receiving support

• The recovery process is not always quick. Some children improve within a few weeks, while others may need more time.
• Parents should continue to observe the child's emotions, behavior, and adaptability, and maintain contact with professionals to adjust the support plan as needed.
• Early detection, timely intervention, and persistent companionship will help reduce the impact of signs of trauma in children, helping them regain a sense of security and confidence in life.

Method 6: Choose the appropriate therapy for the child

Assess the child's needs before choosing therapy

• There is no single treatment method that suits all children experiencing childhood trauma. The choice of therapy needs to be based on the child's age, the severity of the trauma, the cause of the trauma, and the symptoms the child is experiencing.
• Psychologists or doctors will conduct a comprehensive assessment to develop a support plan tailored to each child, rather than applying the same method to all cases.

Some commonly used psychological therapies

• Depending on the child's condition, professionals may consider one or a combination of several treatment methods, such as:
  • Psychotherapy: Helps children identify, express, and process emotions in a safe way, while learning coping skills for stress.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Supports children in changing negative thoughts and behaviors related to the event, thereby improving emotions and adaptability.
  • Psychoanalysis/Psychodynamic Therapy: Suitable for some cases that require a deeper understanding of emotional conflicts and experiences that have affected the child.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy: A method used to help process traumatic memories, reducing the level of distress when recalling the event. This therapy must be performed by a trained professional.
  • Clinical Hypnotherapy: Only considered in certain cases and must be performed by a qualified professional. This method is not suitable for all children.

Family is also part of the treatment process

• If the event affects multiple family members or causes relationships within the family to become strained, family therapy may be considered.
• This method helps family members understand the impact of psychological distress in children, improve communication, increase understanding, and collaboratively create a safe environment for the child's recovery.
• When the whole family participates in the support process, children often feel loved and have more motivation to overcome trauma.

Choose reputable facilities and professionals

• Parents should take their children to medical facilities or psychological centers with professionals who are well-trained in child mental health.
• Do not independently choose treatment methods based on word-of-mouth or unverified information, as each child has different needs and levels of childhood trauma.
• Proper assessment and application of appropriate therapy will help children recover better, improving their emotions, behavior, and long-term quality of life.

Method 7: Parents also need support

Don't try to carry everything alone

• When a child experiences trauma, many parents want to protect and help their child overcome the difficulties themselves. However, taking on all the pressure can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
• If you have also directly experienced the event, self-care becomes even more important. A mentally healthy caregiver will be better able to support the child effectively.

Children are very sensitive to their parents' emotions

• Children often observe and perceive the emotions of those close to them. If parents are constantly stressed, fearful, or lose emotional control, children may feel that their environment is still unsafe.
• This does not mean parents have to hide all emotions, but rather try to manage their emotions in a healthy way to create a sense of stability for the child.

Share with people you trust

• Don't hesitate to talk to your spouse, relatives, or friends about what you are going through.
• Sharing emotions not only helps reduce pressure but also helps you receive encouragement, advice, and practical support when caring for your child.
• With additional companionship from others, you will have more energy to help your child overcome psychological distress.

Seek support when necessary

• If the whole family is affected by the event, consider joining support groups or seeking help from a psychologist.
• Receiving companionship from professionals or families in similar circumstances will help you better understand childhood trauma and learn how to cope appropriately.

Take care of your own mental health

• When feeling overwhelmed, take time to meet your basic needs such as resting, getting enough sleep, light exercise, reading, talking with loved ones, or engaging in activities that help you relax.
• Self-care is not selfish; it is an important part of caring for your child. When parents maintain calmness and balance, children will also feel safer and have better conditions to recover from trauma.

Method 8: Encourage children to connect with others

Help children maintain positive relationships

• After an event, children not only need care from their parents but also need to connect with people who provide a sense of safety and trust.
• Maintaining positive relationships can help reduce the impact of trauma in children, while helping them gradually regain confidence and a sense of normalcy in life.

Encourage children to communicate with people they trust

• Create opportunities for children to talk and spend time with grandparents, siblings, relatives, close friends, or anyone they feel safe with.
• Conversations, playful activities, and attention from multiple people will help children feel loved and not have to face difficulties alone.
• However, respect the child's feelings and do not force them to communicate if they are not ready.

Collaborate with the school and professionals

• If the child is in school, parents should discuss changes in the child's emotions and behavior with teachers so that the school can provide appropriate support.
• If necessary, a psychologist can also collaborate with the family and teachers to develop a comprehensive support plan, helping the child adapt better at both home and school.
• Close collaboration among family, school, and professionals will contribute to improving the recovery process after psychological distress in children.

Let children understand that they are not alone

• One of the most important things is to help children realize that there are always people willing to listen, protect, and support them.
• When children feel loved, respected, and supported from many sides, they will more easily overcome feelings of loneliness, fear, and gradually recover from trauma.

Build a long-term support network

• The recovery process after trauma in children often requires time and continuous companionship from many people.
• Family, friends, teachers, and professionals all play important roles in creating a stable, safe, and understanding environment for children to develop healthily both physically and mentally.

Method 9: Provide holistic care for children

Maintain a stable routine

• After an event, restoring a familiar routine will help children gradually regain a sense of safety and control over their lives. This is also a way to support the recovery process from trauma in children.
• Parents should try to maintain regular sleep, meal, study, and play times each day to create stability for the child.

Establish a balanced diet

• A nutritious diet contributes to supporting the child's physical and mental health during the recovery period.
• Prioritize diverse meals with all food groups, and encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits they enjoy.
• Each meal, try to make 1/3 of the portion consist of vegetables and fruits to supplement essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for growth.

Encourage children to exercise daily

• Physical activity helps relieve stress, improve mood, and helps children sleep better.
• Parents should encourage children to exercise at least once a day with age-appropriate activities such as walking, playing in the park, swimming, cycling, jumping rope, or playing on a trampoline.
• It is important to choose activities that children enjoy and that do not add pressure to the process of recovering from psychological trauma in children.

Create opportunities for children to play with friends

• Play is an important part of a child's emotional development. Activities with peers help children build confidence, improve communication skills, and reduce feelings of isolation after an event.
• Parents should encourage children to participate in appropriate games or group activities, but also respect if the child needs more time to adapt.

Combine physical and mental care

• Physical health and mental health are always closely related. A healthy body will create favorable conditions for children to recover emotionally and overcome childhood psychological trauma.
• In addition to nutrition and exercise, continue to spend time listening, talking, and accompanying your child every day. If the child continues to show signs of anxiety, sadness, or prolonged behavioral changes, parents should take the child to a specialist for appropriate support.

Method 10: Always accompany your child every day

Be present and listen to your child's needs

• After an event, what children need most is often not lengthy advice, but the presence of loved ones.
• Ask yourself every day: "What does my child need?", "What can I do today to make my child feel safer?".
• Paying attention to current needs will help children gradually overcome childhood psychological trauma and regain a sense of being loved.

Focus on the present instead of only looking at the past

• Helping children understand and overcome an event is important, but building positive experiences in the present is equally meaningful.
• Maintain daily activities with your child such as reading, playing games, walking, cooking, or talking. These peaceful moments will help children gradually restore a sense of stability and security.

Respect your child's recovery pace

• Every child will recover at a different pace. Some children adapt quickly, while others may need more time to process emotions after an event.
• Parents should not pressure children to "forget" or "return to normal" within a certain period.
• Patience and companionship will help reduce pressure, while also allowing psychological trauma in children to heal naturally.

Build a sense of security every day

• Small actions like hugging your child, eating a meal together, listening to stories from school, or spending time playing with your child all contribute to reinforcing a sense of security.
• When children know that someone is always there to listen and support them, they will find it easier to share their feelings and overcome their fears.

Companionship is a long-term process

• The process of recovering from childhood psychological trauma does not happen overnight but requires sustained attention from the family.
• Instead of just focusing on what has happened, help your child have more positive experiences in the present and foster belief in the future. The consistent companionship of parents will be an important foundation for children to recover emotionally and develop healthily.

Part 4: Understanding childhood psychological trauma to prevent it

Note 1: Experiences prone to causing trauma in children

Understanding what constitutes a traumatic experience

• Childhood psychological trauma can occur when a child experiences or witnesses an event that makes them feel extremely scared, threatened, or utterly helpless.
• What matters is the child's perception, not just the nature of the event. A seemingly normal situation for an adult can still become a serious event for a child if it makes them feel that their life or safety is threatened.

Events that can cause psychological trauma in children

• Some experiences that increase the risk of psychological trauma in children include:
  • Natural disasters such as storms, floods, earthquakes, or fires.
  • Traffic accidents and other serious accidents.
  • Neglect, lack of care, or unmet basic needs.
  • Verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse.
  • Assault or sexual assault.
  • Witnessing serious acts of violence such as shootings, terrorism, or large-scale violent acts.
  • Living in war-torn areas or armed conflict zones.
  • Prolonged bullying, isolation, or mistreatment at school or in the community.
  • Witnessing others being abused, experiencing accidents, or going through a traumatic event.

Each child may react differently to the same event

• Not every child who experiences the same event will show the same signs of psychological trauma.
• Some children recover quite quickly, while others may experience prolonged emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties.
• The child's age, personality, previous experiences, the severity of the event, and the level of family support all affect the adaptation and recovery process.

Don't underestimate children's experiences

• Adults should not assess the extent of trauma based solely on their own perspective or by comparing it to others' experiences.
• It is important to listen to children's feelings, observe changes after an event, and give them a sense of being protected, loved, and understood.
• If a child shows signs of psychological trauma or experiences prolonged difficulties in daily life, parents should take them to a psychologist or doctor for timely assessment and support.

Note 2: Each child reacts differently to trauma

Not all children react the same way

• Childhood psychological trauma does not manifest the same way in every case. Two children experiencing the same event can have completely different reactions.
• Some children quickly stabilize emotionally, while others experience prolonged anxiety, fear, or behavioral changes.
• Therefore, parents should not assess a child's condition by comparing them to siblings, friends, or other children who have had similar experiences.

The impact level depends on many factors

• Each child's adaptability is influenced by many factors such as age, personality, prior experiences, the severity of the event, and family support.
• Children who receive proper attention, listening, and care often have a better ability to recover from psychological trauma.

Don't underestimate children's feelings

• An event that adults consider "not too serious" can still make a child feel terrified or lose their sense of security.
• Instead of saying "There's nothing to be afraid of" or "Others are fine," listen to and respect your child's feelings.
• Acknowledging feelings will help children feel understood and make it easier for them to share the difficulties they are facing.

Assess children based on their own changes

• When monitoring signs of psychological trauma in children, the most important thing is to compare it with the child's personality, emotions, and behavior before the event.
• If a child shows significant changes in mood, sleep, academics, communication, or daily activities, it is a signal that needs attention, even if these manifestations may not be the same as in other children.

Focus on the needs of each child

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting all children. It is important to understand what the child needs at the present time and adjust the care accordingly.
• If signs of psychological trauma in children persist or affect daily life, parents should seek a psychologist or doctor for assessment and to develop an appropriate support plan for each specific case.

Note 3: Prioritize family mental health

Don't just focus on the child

• When assessing psychological trauma in children, parents also need to pay attention to their own mental health and that of close family members.
• After an event, not only children but also parents, grandparents, or caregivers can be psychologically affected. These reactions can directly impact the child's recovery process.

Parents' emotions greatly affect children

• Children often observe and learn how to react from those closest to them. If parents are constantly anxious, scared, stressed, or lose emotional control after an event, children may perceive that danger is still present.
• This can cause signs of psychological trauma in children to persist or worsen, even after the event has ended.

Recognize when caregivers also need support

• If parents or caregivers frequently experience insomnia, are easily startled, avoid mentioning the event, have prolonged anxiety, or experience difficulties in daily life after the event, these may be signs that they are also psychologically affected.
• When caregivers do not receive timely support, caring for children can also become more difficult.

Create a calm and safe environment

• Children will recover more easily when they live in a stable environment where adults know how to control their emotions and provide a sense of security.
• This does not mean that parents always have to appear strong, but rather to actively seek support when feeling overwhelmed so that they can effectively accompany their child.

Family recovery helps children recover better

• The process of overcoming childhood psychological trauma will be more effective when the whole family participates and supports each other.
• If multiple family members are affected by the event, consider seeking professional psychological help or participating in family support programs. When adults receive good mental health care, they will be better able to help children overcome child psychological trauma and rebuild a sense of security in their lives.

How to help children overcome trauma

Seek knowledge from reliable sources

• To effectively support child psychological trauma, parents should proactively learn how trauma affects a child's development.
• Prioritize consulting materials from health agencies, professional organizations, or reliable scientific information sources to understand the symptoms, recovery process, and appropriate ways to provide support.
• When parents correctly understand psychological trauma in children, they will be more confident in caring for and supporting their children.

Encourage children to express emotions in a healthy way

• Not all children can express their emotions verbally. Therefore, parents can encourage children to draw, write journals, tell stories, or participate in creative activities to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Additionally, stories about children who have overcome adversity can help children feel understood, gain hope, and learn how to deal with difficulties.
• It is important to allow children to express their emotions at their own pace, without forcing or judging.

Understand that trauma can have long-term developmental effects

• If not supported promptly, child psychological trauma can affect emotional, language, memory, and learning development.
• Children may have difficulty remembering, concentrating, controlling emotions, communicating, or building relationships with peers.
• These impacts can be long-lasting if children do not receive intervention at the right time.

Remove the cause of trauma if it is still ongoing

• If the traumatic event is still ongoing, such as continued abuse, bullying, or living in an unsafe environment, the top priority is to protect the child from the source of harm.
• Ending the harmful situation and moving the child to a safe environment is the most important step before beginning psychological support measures.
• In these cases, parents or caregivers need to proactively seek support from authorities and appropriate professionals to ensure the child's safety.

Do not ignore unusual signs

• If children show signs of psychological trauma in children but are not given attention or support, emotional and behavioral problems can persist, affecting their life and development later on.
• Early detection and appropriate intervention will help children have a better chance of recovery.

View children's behavior with empathy

• After a traumatic event, children may become irritable, defiant, cry frequently, have trouble sleeping, or exhibit unusual behaviors. This is often how children react to fear and stress, not intentionally misbehaving.
• Instead of getting angry or punishing, parents should understand the reasons behind these changes and help children learn to regulate their emotions.
• In particular, be patient with sleep problems, nightmares, or prolonged crying spells, as these are common signs of psychological trauma in children during the recovery phase.

Long-term companionship is key to a child's recovery

• The process of overcoming psychological trauma in children requires time and continuous support from family, school, and professionals when needed.
• Love, listening, patience, and a safe living environment will help children gradually regain a sense of peace, rebuild trust, and develop healthily both physically and mentally.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Trauma-Informed Care. American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., Text Revision; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Child Traumatic Stress. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
5. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2024). Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators (2nd ed.). National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
6. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2024). Understanding Child Trauma. National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
7. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Children and Mental Health. National Institutes of Health.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
9. United Nations Children's Fund. (2021). The State of the World's Children 2021: On My Mind – Promoting, Protecting and Caring for Children’s Mental Health. UNICEF.
10. World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. World Health Organization.
11. World Health Organization. (2024). Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. World Health Organization.

Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Daniel Carter.