Signs of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment and Therapy in Toronto

What is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing event for an individual. A traumatic event can be a single event or events occurring over a period of time. PTSD is a mental disorder that individuals can develop after experiencing trauma, either directly or indirectly. What defines trauma and traumatic events is different for everyone, but can include:

• Abuse of any kind

• Car accident

• Natural disasters

• Family or dating violence

• Death of a loved one

• Serious injury

• Life-threatening illness

Fortunately, there are many effective virtual and in-person treatments and therapies in Toronto that can help children struggling with the effects of trauma or PTSD.

What are Common Signs of PTSD?

Children with PTSD may show the following physical and/or behavioural signs:

Physical Signs

• Increased heart rate

• Sweating, trembling

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Panic attacks

Behavioural Signs

Preschool-Aged Children:

• Separation anxiety or clingy behaviour

• Regressive behaviour (i.e. thumb sucking)

• Extreme aggression, temper tantrums

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Nightmares

• Developing new fears

• Physical symptoms (i.e. headaches, stomach aches)

• Emotional distress when reminded of the initial trauma

• Repetitive play that relates to the traumatic event

School-Aged Children:

• Hypervigilance

• Easily startled or jumpy

• Repetitive play that relates to the traumatic event

• Changes in school performance

• Easily distracted or difficulty concentrating

• Refusal to go to school

• Change in appetite

• Repeatedly talking about the event

• Aggressive towards other children

• Socially withdrawn, disinterested in usual activities

• Difficulty controlling emotions

• Flashbacks of the event

• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness

• Signs of anxiety

Adolescents and Adults:

• Emotional numbness

• Feelings of guilt, shame

• Avoiding certain activities or situations that are reminders of the trauma

• Substance abuse

• Aggressive and impulsive behaviours

• Vindictive thoughts

• Difficulty maintaining close relationships

• Feeling detached from their family and friends

• Signs of depression, dissociative disorders

How to Support Children with PTSD?

• For instructions:

  • Provide verbal cues before transitioning or doing something unexpected (i.e. turning off the lights, fire drills)

  • Provide the child with choice whenever possible to give them a sense of control (i.e. choice in seating options, ways to complete assignment)

• For social skills:

  • Use role-play and videos to teach the child how to read facial cues and body language in order to understand others’ emotions

• For emotional regulation:

  • Create a signal with the child (i.e. holds up a card) for them to inform you when they need a break and allow them to use a cool down zone

Trauma and PTSD Support for Families

For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with the effects of trauma or PTSD, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:

• PTSD programs and groups for kids

• Individual and family therapy

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy

• Mindfulness training

• Art therapy

• Exposure therapy

• Play therapy

• Social skills training

• Emotional regulation training

• Parent training for behavioural management for kids