Post-traumatic stress is ongoing mental health problems children may have after trauma. These can look very different in younger and older children.
In children aged 2-5 years
Being easily startled
Constant crying or whining
Headaches or stomach aches
Being scared of going to bed, darkness, loud noises, or certain places
Nightmares
Recreating traumatic events in play
Having trouble sitting still
Avoiding things that remind them of the traumatic events by - Becoming very active - Interrupting - Running away - Seeming distracted - Becoming aggressive
In children aged 6-10 years
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts of traumatic events
Looking out for danger and being easily startled
Doing dangerous things without thinking
Avoiding things or people that remind them of the traumatic event
Negative thoughts about themselves and other people
