Behavior: Physical, Mental and Emotional Changes Post Traumatic Distress Signals

Individuals –- children, teens and adults — may experience and exhibit a wide range of post-traumatic stress disorder reactions after a crisis or disaster. These changes are not unusual for anyone who has gone through or been affected by a crisis or traumatic event.

If symptoms persist after three months or if the symptoms are delayed and appear three to six months after the crisis event, your child may benefit from additional counseling and support.

Signs To Watch For:

Physical Changes
· Easily startled
· Increase anxiety
· Heart rate increases
· Sleep patterns interrupted
· Change in eating

Mental Changes
· Difficulty with memory
· Decreased computational skills
· Decreased ability to analyze
· Slower learning speed
· Impaired decision-making skills
· Decreased self-awareness

Emotional Changes
· Feelings of isolation
· Developmental regression
· Depression
· Denial
· Anger
· Lack of enthusiasm from activities that were previously enjoyed
· Return to past hurts and trauma
· Bitterness
· Decreased intimacy
· Lack of trust
· Guilt
· Fear of recurrence