When a child experiences trauma, certain doors in their body and mind temporarily close. Sometimes they become silent, sometimes they grow tired of crying, and sometimes they act as if “nothing happened.” But deep inside, something is still struggling.
Signs that may be seen in PTSD:
- Feeling as if they are reliving the event
- Nightmares and waking up suddenly from sleep
- Being easily startled and reacting even to small sounds
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Anxiety, anger, and sudden emotional outbursts
- Avoiding things that remind them of “that moment”
- Physical reactions such as stomachaches or headaches
- A constant feeling that something bad is about to happen
A child who has experienced trauma is essentially asking, “Am I safe?” And the first step toward healing is providing that child with a safe space. Trauma can be treated. When a child is not left alone, when a caring adult stands beside them, and when they are supported with the right methods, the nervous system can gradually regain its balance.
Dr Mehmet Çolak, SpecialistChild and Adolescent Psychiatrist