Adolescents are at high risk of experiencing traumatic events. In addition to the stressors adults face every day, teenagers are also at risk of trauma related to bullying and embarrassment in school, violence at home or in the community, and experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
As adolescents try to figure out who they are and how to fit in, many young people engage in risk-taking behavior that may render them even more vulnerable to traumatic events. Learn how this trauma could be affecting your teen and how you can help keep them healthy and safe. If you’re concerned, seeking out trauma treatment for teens may be the next step.
Causes of Teen Trauma Disorders
Teen trauma disorders can be caused by any psychological or emotional scar in an adolescent. Childhood abuse, natural disasters, sexual violence, personal tragedy and loss, and even bullying may cause enough trauma to persist throughout teenage years or young adulthood.
You might know exactly what caused your child’s trauma, or you may just have a suspicion that something has happened to them. Ascend can help you find out exactly what’s going on in their life and what might be affecting your teen in a negative way. Through our teen trauma program, the entire family system can begin to heal.
Effects of Teen Trauma Disorder
Trauma can have both physical and mental effects that may start in the short term, but when left untreated, can have long-term consequences. Some adolescents carry these issues with them for decades, making it difficult for them to form and maintain friendships, hold down jobs, and generally fit in with society.
The mental effects of trauma can include the following:
- Vulnerability to stress
- Trouble controlling or expressing emotions
- Violent or inappropriate reactions to situations
- Depression and anxiety
- Emotional numbing
- Dissociation
Trauma can also affect your teen physically in the following ways:
- Weakened immune system
- Lack of normal development in stress response systems
- Chronic recurring pain with no cause, like headaches and stomach pain
- Hypersensitivity to sounds, smells, light, or touch
- Anesthesia and analgesia
Untreated trauma in teens can impact multiple areas of your child’s life, making early intervention crucial.
Signs You Need Trauma Treatment for Teens
You might be concerned about trauma in your teen, but you’re unsure what signs and symptoms you should be looking for. Before contacting an adolescent trauma treatment program, look out for the following behaviors in your teen:
- Disengagement from family and peers
- Changes in behavior
- Unwarranted flashbacks to traumatic events
- Heightened reaction to certain stimuli
- Feelings of dread
- Social withdrawal
- Inability to maintain relationships
- Inability to maintain trust
- Difficulty with coherent thoughts, feelings, memories, or perceptions
- Avoiding certain scenarios that remind an individual of the trauma
Your teen may also be experiencing dreams that trigger their trauma.
Ascend’s Trauma Treatment for Teens
If your child is displaying signs of a trauma disorder, Ascend offers professional diagnosis and guidance. Our team has experience assessing and addressing your teen’s trauma in a safe, non-judgmental place. We then provide a customized treatment plan to help them identify their trauma and work through it with the assistance of highly qualified mental health professionals.
Lead your child towards better mental health when you reach out to Ascend at 310.388.3713 today.
FAQ
What is trauma treatment for teens?
Trauma treatment for teens is a specialized form of care that helps adolescents process and recover from emotionally distressing experiences. Our approach may include individual therapy, group counseling, and experiential therapies. At Ascend, our teen trauma program creates a safe space for healing and growth.
What are the signs of a trauma disorder?
Common signs of an adolescent trauma disorder include flashbacks, mood swings, emotional withdrawal, and intense reactions to specific triggers. Teens may also struggle with sleep, concentration, or relationships. If you notice these symptoms, it may be time to explore trauma treatment for teens.
How does Ascend’s program support recovery?
Ascend’s teen trauma program uses trauma-informed care to help teens build trust, process their experiences, and develop healthier coping skills. We offer therapy, family support, and creative outlets like art and music to support emotional expression and healing. Learn more about our mental health treatment program here.
Can trauma affect teens long-term if it goes untreated?
Yes, untreated trauma can lead to long-term challenges like anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming relationships. Early trauma treatment for teens can prevent these issues and help them develop emotional resilience.