Acute - What to Expect

Your child experienced a traumatic event in the past month?

In the first month after a traumatic experience, it’s very common for children and adolescents to have bad memories and to avoid things that remind them of the event (e.g. places, people, etc.). Young children can also become anxious about being separated from the parents, be nervous, or have problems concentrating. Such reactions are perfectly normal in the first few weeks and are no cause for concern.

General tips:

  • Do everything to help your child feel safe.
  • Talk with your child about their feelings and worries.
  • Return to normal daily routines with your child as soon as possible.
  • Spend a lot of quality time with your child, family, and friends.
  • Take time to deal with your own feelings.

 

Trauma-Check, Information and Tips

Every child and adolescent reacts differently after being exposed to traumatic events.

If you’re concerned and if you don’t know if to consult a mental health care professional is advisable, fill out the Trauma-Check (not before at least 5 days have passed since the traumatic event). By filling out a few questions, the Trauma-Check screens whether professional advice is recommended.

Further, you can also find out more about possible mental health issues and/or behavioral problems after traumatic events in children and adolescents and receive tips on how to help your child to cope with them.

Please select the appropriate age category for your child to get to the right Trauma-Check and Information and Tips.

 

Specialist Contacts

If you are very worried as a parent or if you are advised to seek professional advice after the Trauma-Check, you can use the function Specialist Contacts on the KidTrauma website or app to search for mental health care experts in the field of child and adolescent psychotraumatolgy in your area.

 

Downloads/Links

Here you can download helpful brochures and find links to further information.