PTSD used to be associated with veterans and adults. But increasing awareness about it is leading to a surge in people of all ages and backgrounds being diagnosed with PTSD. And teenagers are among the sufferers. Teens have a lot to cope with already, with school, friendships and their general development in a heightened state. So how can you spot the signs that more is going on, like PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This might include accidents, natural disasters, or personal assaults. Abuse and a difficult home life, particularly over a sustained period, can also lead to PTSD. For teenagers, their vulnerabilities and the nature of adolescence being a formative and transitional phase can heighten the impact of such experiences, making them more susceptible to PTSD.
We all know that the teenage years are formative. They’re filled with rapid mental, physical, and emotional changes. When trauma disrupts this developmental phase, it can lead to lingering psychological scars. Recognizing PTSD in teens can be challenging because symptoms might be dismissed as typical teenage angst or mood swings. Understanding these signs can make a significant difference in a young person’s life, and to their overall outcomes and future prospects.
If you’re a parent or teacher, you’re in a unique position to observe changes in behavior and mood. By learning about the symptoms, you can help a teen get help. Here are some of the warning signs that a teen might have PTSD.
Changes in Mood and Behavior
One of the most noticeable warning signs of PTSD in teens is a significant shift in mood and behavior. Teens may exhibit sudden irritability or anger, which can seem disproportionate to the situation at hand. This volatility is often a byproduct of the stress and anxiety caused by the trauma.
Alongside irritability, a teen might show an increased level of sadness or hopelessness. They may appear disengaged, preferring isolation over previously enjoyed activities. These changes can be confusing and frustrating for both the teen and the adults in their lives.
Some teens might engage in risky behaviors as a way to cope with their distress. This could include substance abuse or reckless activities. These actions are often subconscious attempts to escape or numb the pain associated with their traumatic experiences.
Sleeping Difficulties and Nightmares
Sleep disturbances are common in teens with PTSD. They might have trouble falling or staying asleep, leading to chronic fatigue that impacts their daily functioning. This lack of rest can exacerbate other symptoms, such as irritability and concentration difficulties.
Nightmares and vivid dreams related to the traumatic event are another red flag. These nightmares can be extremely distressing, causing teens to fear going to sleep. The recurring nature of these dreams often leads to a cycle of anxiety and sleep deprivation.
It’s important for parents and teachers to pay attention to these sleep patterns. Consistent difficulty in sleeping or frequent nightmares should prompt a conversation with a medical professional.
Avoidance and Withdrawal
Teens with PTSD often avoid situations or reminders of the trauma. This avoidance can manifest as reluctance to discuss the event or even an inability to recall specific details. This behavior is a defense mechanism to prevent re-experiencing the distress associated with the trauma.
Withdrawal from social activities and friends is another warning sign. A teen may isolate themselves, no longer participating in sports, clubs, or social gatherings they once enjoyed. This retreat from social life can lead to a deep sense of loneliness and increase the risk of developing further psychological issues.
Encouraging open dialogue and maintaining a supportive presence can help teens feel more comfortable confronting and processing their feelings rather than avoiding them.
Physical Symptoms and Complaints
PTSD isn’t just a mental or emotional disorder; it can have physical manifestations as well. Teens might complain of headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained aches and pains. These physical ailments can be a result of the body’s heightened stress response.
Chronic tension and stress can lead to muscle pain or fatigue. Some teens may even experience heart palpitations or shortness of breath in response to stress or memories of the trauma. These symptoms are real and should be taken seriously.
If a teen frequently visits the nurse’s office or reports persistent physical discomfort without a medical cause, it might be worth exploring PTSD as a potential underlying issue.
Concentration Issues and Declining Grades
Trauma can significantly impair a teen’s ability to concentrate. A once attentive student might find it challenging to focus on schoolwork or follow instructions. This change can result in declining grades and frustration both for the teen and their teachers.
Memory issues are also common, with teens struggling to remember assignments or due dates. The cognitive load of dealing with trauma can overpower their ability to retain new information or process complex tasks.
Teachers should be aware of these potential changes in academic performance and consider them potential indicators of PTSD, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Emotional Numbness and Detachment
Another symptom of PTSD is emotional numbness or detachment. Teens might seem indifferent or disconnected from their surroundings and loved ones. This detachment can affect relationships with family and friends, causing further isolation and loneliness.
This numbness is often a self-protective measure — an attempt to shield themselves from the emotional pain associated with the trauma. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lack of interest in activities they once found fulfilling.
Encouraging involvement in group activities or counseling sessions can help them regain emotional connection and express their feelings constructively.
Increased Anxiety and Fearfulness
Teens with PTSD may exhibit heightened anxiety and fearfulness. They might seem on edge or easily startled by noises or sudden movements. These reactions stem from a state of hyperarousal, where the body remains in constant fight-or-flight mode.
This persistent state of alertness can make it difficult for teens to relax or feel safe even in familiar environments. They may develop new fears or phobias related to the traumatic event, further limiting their activities and interactions.
Identifying these anxiety symptoms is crucial for implementing coping strategies that can help teens manage their fears and reduce stress levels.
PTSD in teens can often going unnoticed amid the general chaos and upheaval of adolescence. By recognizing the symptoms and acting swiftly, parents and teachers can make a noticeable impact on a teen’s mental health.