The world may not be the same for everyone to live in. For children and adolescents, it could be a scary place. Being a child or a teen who has gone through something traumatic, it becomes very difficult for them to adjust and cope with everyday life. Their world doesn’t feel safe, and they are dealing with big emotions like fear, sadness, or anger that they don’t completely understand.
In such situations, if the adults around them know exactly how to help and offer them support and ways to cope, it becomes easier for them to deal with. Although PTSD treatment in San Diego is a great option for young people facing PTSD, the right support system and guidance are always essential. But as a caregiver, teacher, or family member, how do you know where to start? Here are some ways.
1. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Going through something scary and then feeling like no one understands—children with PTSD often feel this way. The first thing to do to support them is to create a safe space where they know their feelings are normal and okay. You can try saying something like, “It’s totally normal to feel scared or sad after what happened. Your feelings make sense.”
Give children permission to feel however they feel, whether that’s scared, angry, sad, or confused. It helps them learn that emotions are not bad or good; they are just part of being human. When we validate their feelings, they start to understand that it’s okay to be vulnerable and open about their experiences.
2. Open Up Channels for Communication
Sometimes, children don’t know how to put their feelings into words, and that’s okay. Rather than sitting them down for a talk, introduce conversations naturally. Maybe ask open-ended questions, like “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there something on your mind that you’d like to talk about?” Let them know you are here to listen whenever they are ready.
Not all communications need to be verbal. For some children, drawing, playing, or writing down their thoughts is easier. Encouraging these activities will give them a non-verbal outlet for their emotions. The goal is to make sure they know that whenever they are ready to share, you will be there to listen without judgment.
3. Create a Subtle Routine They Can Count On
For children dealing with PTSD, life feels uncertain or scary. They feel like their world is spinning out of control. You can help them regain their stability by sticking to a routine. Something as simple as consistent mealtime, a comforting bedtime routine, or weekend family activities can help them feel grounded. Try to involve them in planning the routines, too, so they feel more in control.
You can make a comfort calendar with them. It’s a fun way to build consistency by planning relaxing activities for each day. Maybe Mondays are for movie nights, Tuesdays are for drawing, and so on. These small rituals can bring great comfort.
4. Watch for Triggers and Reassure Them
Triggers are things that remind the child of their trauma, and they can pop up anywhere. It could be a sound, a smell, a place, or even a word. Be mindful of these triggers, and if possible, help them avoid overly distressing situations.
If they do get triggered, calmly remind them that they are safe now. Say something like, “I know that noise might remind you of something scary, but right now, you are safe with me.” This will reassure them and help them learn to separate past trauma from the present moment.
5. Know When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, children need more than just a listening ear. They need professional guidance to process their trauma. PTSD-specific therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are highly effective for young people with PTSD.
Therapy gives them additional help to manage their emotions and work through their trauma in a safe space. If your child is having persistent nightmares, avoiding certain places, or showing drastic changes in behavior, it could be time to seek out a therapist. Just as you’d take them to a doctor if they had a fever that wouldn’t go away, getting professional help for emotional health is a smart and caring choice. Use this link to access counseling services: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/counseling/
Final Thoughts
Helping children cope with PTSD doesn’t mean you have to solve everything for them. It means being there every step of the way, guiding, supporting, and listening. The journey might be gradual, but every supportive interaction, kind word, and steady presence helps them feel safer, more understood, and ultimately, more helpful.
