PTSD in Children and Teens: Recognizing the Signs and Providing Comfort

When we think about trauma, we often picture adults; veterans, survivors of violence, or people, who’ve lived through major disasters. But trauma doesn’t wait for adulthood. Children and teens experience it too, and when they do, it can shake the foundation of their safety, trust, and sense of self. Yet unlike adults, young people often don’t have the vocabulary or emotional tools to express what they’re feeling. Instead, their pain may show up in quiet behaviors, outbursts, nightmares, or changes that seem to come out of nowhere. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to witness. And it can leave you feeling helpless, confused, and desperate to understand what’s really going on.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop in children and adolescents after they’ve experienced or witnessed something deeply distressing or terrifying. This might include physical abuse, sexual abuse, serious accidents, medical trauma, the loss of a loved one, or even witnessing violence at home, school, or in the community. For some children, the trauma may come from a single shocking event, like a car crash or natural disaster. For others, it can stem from ongoing, chronic stress like living in a home where there’s constant tension, instability, or fear. 

How Trauma Shows Up in Children and Teens

The signs of PTSD in young people don’t always look like what we see in adults. Children, especially younger ones, may not be able to explain their fears. Instead, their trauma may come out through behaviors. They might suddenly become clingy, scared to be alone, or overly reactive to noises and situations that seem harmless. Some may regress wetting the bed again after being potty trained, losing interest in things they used to enjoy, or acting much younger than their age.

Teens, on the other hand, might show signs in different ways. You may notice them becoming withdrawn, angry, or irritable. They might lash out, avoid certain places or people, or shut down emotionally. Some may turn to risky behaviors like substance use or self-harm as a way to numb what they’re feeling inside. It’s important to know that these behaviors aren’t signs of a “bad kid” or poor parenting. They are often the voice of unspoken pain.

Nightmares, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances are also common. A child may relive the trauma in their dreams or during quiet moments. You might find them jumping at loud sounds, being hyper-aware of their surroundings, or appearing distracted and disconnected. At school, they may struggle to concentrate, have falling grades, or clash with peers and teachers. Trauma can affect every part of a child’s life, and often in ways that are easy to misinterpret if we don’t know what to look for.

Why Children Stay Silent

Children and teens may not speak up about what they’ve experienced for many reasons. Some are too young to understand what happened or don’t have the words to describe it. Others may fear they won’t be believed, or they may feel ashamed, guilty, or responsible for what occurred. In some cases, the traumatic experience involves someone they know or trust, which makes speaking up even more complicated. The silence is rarely about unwillingness, it’s often about fear, confusion, and not feeling safe enough to share.

This is why your presence and response as a parent or caregiver are so important. How you react to their behaviors, questions, or subtle cues can either open a door to healing or close it further. Children need to know that they are safe, believed, and not alone in whatever they’re feeling even if they can’t explain it yet.

How Parents Can Support a Child with PTSD

The most important thing you can offer your child is a safe, steady presence. They need to know you are there, no matter what. Listen when they speak, even if it’s hard. Reassure them that their feelings are okay, that they’re not broken, and that what happened to them was not their fault.

Create consistent routines at home. Predictability can help soothe the nervous system and create a sense of security. Make time for quiet, low-stress activities like reading, drawing, nature walks, or just sitting together without pressure. Encourage open-ended conversations, but don’t force them to talk. Let your child set the pace. Sometimes, simply being available without needing to “fix” things is the most healing gift of all.

Seek professional help if needed. A child therapist who specializes in trauma can provide your child with tools to process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Therapy can also help you, as the parent, learn how to best support your child at home.

Finally, remember that healing from trauma is not a straight path. There will be good days and hard ones. But healing is possible with time, compassion, and support.

Journaling as a Gentle Outlet for Healing

One simple yet powerful tool that can support a child or teen's recovery is journaling. When words feel too scary to say out loud, writing can become a lifeline. It gives children a safe space to express feelings they may not want to share yet, or even fully understand. Journaling can help them begin to name their emotions, process memories, and regain a sense of control over their own story.

That’s why we created the This Is Me Journal, a comforting and supportive tool designed to help kids explore who they are, how they feel, and what they need. It's filled with guided prompts, gentle questions, and creative spaces to draw or doodle, giving children a voice even when words feel too big or too hard. For parents of younger children, journaling together can also build trust and open up opportunities for important conversations in a safe and comforting way.

You’re Not Alone, And Neither Are They

If your child is struggling, please know this: you are not a bad parent. This is not your fault. And most importantly, your child’s trauma does not define who they are or who they are becoming. With love, support, and the right tools, children and teens can heal. They can find joy again, rediscover their curiosity, and grow into emotionally resilient adults.

Keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep believing in their ability to heal, especially on the days when they can’t believe it themselves. You are their safe place. And with your support, their story can continue with hope, strength, and new beginnings.