James Donaldson on Mental Health - Signs of Trauma in Children

In the wake of a disturbing event or tragic loss in the lives of children, we know parents and teachers will do their best to help kids cope with their grief and anxiety in a healthy way.

We have provided some tips on how best to engage kids in a calm and supportive dialogue about their feelings — it’s certainly not easy to do, but it can make a big difference.

Still, some children are more at risk than others for suffering long-term effects from an upsetting event, including those who have lost close friends or classmates and those who might have learned about the event or loss in a particularly emotional and upsetting way.

How a child experiences an event and how it’s handled by those around them have an effect on how traumatizing it can be, notes clinical psychologist Jerry Bubrick , PhD, who treated many children with anxiety at the Child Mind Institute.

When families come upon news accidentally, parents can be caught off guard and respond in a highly emotional way that can impact children.

Television coverage and shocking newspaper headlines can also amplify the impact of a disturbing event or loss.

So even as you try to soothe and comfort children , it is important to recognize the signs of unhealthy coping that would suggest a visit with a professional might be needed.

In extreme cases, children can develop post-traumatic stress disorder , but even less extreme PTSD-like symptoms can interfere with a child’s life and happiness.

Here are some signs to look for and things to keep in mind.

Normal grief “Everyone grieves at a different pace,” Dr.