April 2020

R U AWARE?

YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF TRAUMA-INFORMED KNOWLEDGE

Traumatic Crises: The Effect on Children & Adolescents

Traumatic crisis is a reaction to an event or series of events which disrupts or threatens the essential aspects of life. A traumatic crisis is often caused by a sudden, unexpected and intense incident. The individual often experiences a significant emotional shock that feels overwhelming (Roberts, 2015). Events and situations in life can lead to a traumatic crises, these events include a death of a loved one, serious illness, violence, such as domestic, sexual or street as well as experiencing a natural disaster, or catastrophe (Mieli, 2019). Traumatic crises can impact children, adolescents, and adults. Research shows more than two-thirds of children in the United States report experiencing  at least one traumatic event by the age of sixteen (Tull, 2020). 

There are several  phases  of traumatic crises which include the shock phase, reaction phase, processing phase and reorientation phase. The shock phase is described as when the person is not yet able to comprehend the event and may use denial as a strategy to cope. The shock phase usually happens immediately after the event which triggered the crisis. Survivors may experience denial, crying, panic, and  shutting down emotionally in this phase (Mieli, 2019). The second phase known as the reaction phase  gives the person time to face what has occurred. Traumatic crisis is a reaction to an event or series of events which disrupts or threatens the essential aspects of life. A traumatic crisis is often caused by a sudden, unexpected and intense incident. The individual often experiences a significant emotional shock that feels overwhelming (Roberts, 2015). Events and situations in life can lead to a traumatic crises, these events include a death of a loved one, serious illness, violence, such as domestic, sexual or street as well as experiencing a natural disaster, or catastrophe (Mieli, 2019). Traumatic crises can impact children, adolescents, and adults. Research shows more than two-thirds of children in the United States report experiencing  at least one traumatic event by the age of sixteen (Tull, 2020). There are several  phases  of traumatic crises which include the shock phase, reaction phase, processing phase and reorientation phase. The shock phase is described as when the person is not yet able to comprehend the event and may use denial as a strategy to cope. The shock phase usually happens immediately after the event which triggered the crisis. Survivors may experience denial, crying, panic, and  shutting down emotionally in this phase (Mieli, 2019). The second phase known as the reaction phase  gives the person time to face what has occurred.

In this phase children, adolescents, and adults need to feel safe (Mieli, 2019). In the reaction phase the person will come to terms with the tragic incident and seek understanding of the event. Research has shown that listening and providing support to aid in processing what has happened is vital. The reaction phase is often marked by triggers that can be caused by a certain sound or smell as well as recurring memories while awake and asleep (Mieli, 2019). During the reaction phase, children and adolescents may experience fear and anxiety, insomnia and loss of appetite as well as nausea and other physical symptoms. In the processing phase the event is no longer denied, and those impacted maybe ready to face the different aspects of the traumatic event. The processing phase includes experiencing problems with memory and concentration, withdrawal from relationships, as well as irritability. (Mieli, 2019). The reorientation phase is described as the survivor no longer having intense  mental and physical reactions as the event no longer controls their feelings and thoughts. Survivors of crises have stated life after has seemed more vulnerable but much more meaningful. As a parent or caregiver it is important that in the wake of traumatic crises you provide support and comfort to your child and adolescent by making them feel safe. Helping to manage their fears while guiding through strong emotions can aid them in recovering in a healthy way (Childmind, 2020).

Supporting Your Child During A Crisis…

References

Helping children cope after a traumatic event (2020). Retrieved from https://childmind.org/guide/helping- children-cope-traumatic-event/.

Roberts, A.R. (2015) An overview of crisis theory and intervention model. In Crisis Intervention 

Handbook: Assessment, Treatment, and Research. 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press

Traumatic Crises (2019). Retrieved from https://mieli.fi/en/home/mental-health/crises/traumatic-crises

Tull, M. (2020). Understanding PTSD in children. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/dsm-5-ptsd-criteria-for-children-2797288

Written By: Michelle Pigott, M.A.