About 15-43% of girls and 14-43% of boys go through at least one trauma and of those children and teens, 3-15% of girls and 1-6% of boys develop PTSD, according to
reports from the National Center of PTSD.
Children and teens can develop PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) after living through dangerous or harmful events such as the one's listed below.
In some cases, even learning about some of these events happening to someone else, like a family member, close friend or classmate, can put children at risk for PTSD.
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sexual or physical abuse or other violent crimes
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disasters such as floods, school shootings, car crashes, or fires
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events such as
war, a friend's suicide, or seeing violence in the area they live
One should assume that
all children in the foster care system have experienced trauma and are at risk for PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD in children
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Children age 7 to 11 may also
act out the trauma through play, drawings, or stories. They may
have nightmares or become more irritable or aggressive. They may also want to
avoid school or have trouble with schoolwork or friends.
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Preteens and teens age 12 to 18 have symptoms more similar to adults such as depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or reckless behavior like substance abuse or running away.
How parents and loved ones react to the trauma can have an effect on whether or not a child develops PTSD.
While stress can make PTSD more likely, social support from family, friends, and teachers at school can make it less likely.
According to the
CDC
, children suffering from PTSD may seem restless, fidgety, or have trouble paying attention and staying organized & these symptoms can be confused with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
If you suspect your child may have PTSD, watch for sleep problems, anger, avoidance of certain people or places, and inappropriate sexual behavior.
If you need to get professional help for your child, find a mental health provider who has treated PTSD in children, find out how the therapist treats PTSD, and choose one who makes you and your child feel at ease.
For more information
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Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 18 - 24
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Over the last 30 years, the U.S. has averaged 51 lightning fatalities per year, according to the
National Weather Service.
Lightning can strike as far as 25 miles away from its parent thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you so NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!
The best way to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of thunderstorms is to be prepared.
If you're outside when you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter.
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby, keep moving toward a safe shelter.
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks and never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
- Never lie flat on the ground, never shelter under an isolated tree, and get out and away from bodies of water.
- Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).
If you're already inside when you hear thunder, stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
- Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
Giving first aid to lightning strike victims while waiting for professional medical attention can save their lives.
People struck by lightning DO NOT carry a charge so it is safe to touch a lightning strike victim.
- Relocate victim to a low lightning risk area
- Start resuscitation, if the victim is not breathing
- If no pulse is detected, start cardiac compression
- Take victim to a qualified doctor immediately
If you have outdoor plans, be sure to familiarize yourself with the latest weather forecast before heading out and if you hear thunder, remember the following:
For more information
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Young Children and Sports
#WeeklyBlogPost
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Sports programs provide many benefits for kids.
They can help children learn responsibility, team work and work ethic, and they can give kids a chance to socialize and make friends.
Though recent reports have emphasized the dangers of youth sports, there are ways parents can help their children avoid injury.
For tips on preventing sports injuries in youth,
and
please, leave a comment!
We love to hear from our readers and hope to receive your feedback!
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Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
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