Children: Exposure to Traumatic Events and Behavioral Health

Too many children have been exposed to one or more traumatic events over the course of their lives.  Some of these children develop reactions that persist and affect their daily lives after the traumatic events have ended.  Many are diagnosed as having post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder.  Additionally, many will further meet the criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders such as depression, and oppositional defiant disorder.  Children and youth who had been exposed to multiple types of traumatic events have higher levels of depression and anxiety (internalizing symptoms), and were more aggressive and broke more rules (externalizing symptoms). As the number of traumatic events increase, so do the clinical levels of symptoms.

Studies show that at least one in five children have a mental health disorder.  Often sigma or misconceptions about treatment prevent families from seeking assessment or services.  Much like physical problems, mental health disorders may be mild and others may be more intense.

Some children and adolescents indicate signs of mental health problems that signal for help.  These signs or symptoms may be the child is troubled by feelings of sadness, feeling angry, worthlessness, anxiety, having grief and other signs that are persistent.  Those close to the child may notice a big change in the child’s demeanor such as problems at school, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, change in sleeping or eating patterns, avoiding friends and family as well as experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Every child’s mental health is important.  Many children have mental health problems that range from mild to severe; however, most can be treated once it is recognized.  Family physicians, school personnel and the Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority can provide information, assessment, treatment and referrals.  Visit us at shiacmh.org or call 989.723.6791.