Trauma Recovery 
Children experience traumatic events differently. Some children simply need strong support from caregivers in order to recover. Other children will need counseling by a mental health professional in addition to a supportive, stable caregiver.
Factors influencing how a child may respond to a traumatic event include:
- Being directly involved in the trauma, especially as a victim
- Severe and/or prolonged exposure to the event
- Personal history of prior trauma
- Family or personal history of mental illness and severe behavioral problems
- Lack of social support
- Lack of caring family and friends
- On-going life stressors such as moving to a new home, or new school, divorce, job change or financial troubles
Some symptoms the child exhibits may require immediate attention. Contact a mental health professional if these symptoms occur:
- Flashbacks
- Racing heart and sweating
- Being easily startled
- Being emotionally numb
- Being very sad or depressed
- Talking about ending their life
How You Can Help
If you are a caregiver to the child, first identify and address your own feelings about the event. This will allow you to be of more help to the child. Try to explain and help the child understand what happened in a developmentally appropriate way. Lastly, remember to let children know:
- You love them
- The event was not their fault
- You will take care of them, but only if you can (be honest)
- It’s okay for them to feel upset
Do:
- Allow the child to cry
- Allow sadness
- Let the child talk about feelings
- Let them write about feelings
- Let them draw pictures
If your child is not able to perform normal routines or develops new symptoms after a month in a safe, stable environment you may want to contact a mental health professional to discuss your situation.