Symptoms Of Trauma - Tumblr Posts
Signs of Abuse and Trauma in Children
No one discovered my abuse or stepped in. I went many years without being correctly dx'd and without my trauma being recognized. I've had to do all of the work to heal as an adult due to events that could have been stopped before. A huge part of the problem is that many people don't know how to recognize signs of abuse or symptoms of trauma in children.
1. Changes in behavior
2. Returning to earlier behaviors (regression)
3. Fear of going home (or to another place)
4. Changes in eating
5. Changes in sleeping
6. Changes in school performance/attendance
7. Lack of personal care or hygiene - or excessive bathing
8. Risk-taking behaviors
9. Inappropriate sexual behaviors
10. Unexplained injuries
Physical signs:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Signs of trauma to the genital area
Behavioral signs:
Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
Keeping secrets; not talking as much as usual
Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from caregivers
Regressive behaviors
Overly compliant behavior
Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
Spending an unusual amount of time alone
Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe
Emotional signs:
Change in eating habits
Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
Decrease in confidence or self-image
Excessive worry or fearfulness
Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
Self-harming behaviors
Additionally, don't expect a child to disclose abuse on their own. 86% of CSA is NEVER reported, and the average age of disclosing CSA is well into adulthood. This is often because 90% of cases are perpetrated by someone the child knows such as a caregiver or relative. It is also common for children to be threatened and afraid of telling on their abuser. They may even believe they are responsible for their own abuse.