Some children are more vulnerable (3): Support for children with previous traumatic experiences in times of crisis
Yes, in times of crisis, all children are at risk and need help. However, we continue to draw our attention to the groups of children we see additionally vulnerable in the health crisis situation, and again recall the previously published text Some children are more vulnerable (1): What support do they need in times of health crisis? We now want to highlight the importance of supporting children who have had traumatic experiences before the uncertainty of the coronavirus health crisis and the earthquake experienced. Such previous experiences (eg physical, sexual and emotional abuse, witnessing domestic violence, witnessing the mother’s murder of the mother, violence outside the family, serious illness of the child or loved ones…) can make it difficult to cope with the present situation.
The long-term consequences of frightening events
After frightening events, no matter what developmental stage the children experienced, apart from the immediate traumatic reactions at the time of the event, many have long-term consequences. We see some of these consequences as cognitive distortions (they see the world around them more negatively, are focused on their own responsibility after the event, and more difficult to see positive outcomes). We may hear them say, “This is just happening to me,” “There’s nothing good in my life,” “I’m not good,” “I don’t care about anyone.” Furthermore, there is a change in emotionality – they are more often anxious, anxious and depressed, more prone to negative self-perception, and have difficulties in social relationships, which includes difficulties in seeking support. In particular, the consequences are visible in children who have experienced traumatic experiences within their own families, where the source of the trauma was those who were supposed to protect them, where instead of stability, they were exposed to various forms of violence for a long time. Then we talk about complex trauma and the consequences are evident in these children in several areas of development.
Retraumatisation
Thus, given all that has been experienced previously, in the present circumstances, traumatization may occur in children who have been exposed to traumatization. It is a reaction to the present crisis, which is colored, intensified and shaped in accordance with the reactions and the mode of adaptation that the child had during previous traumatic experiences. Although the present experience may not be as intense or as frightening as before, it may have certain reminders of earlier experiences or relationships.
Retraumatization results in the re-emergence of those symptoms that have been associated with previous trauma.
An extra dimension to everything is given by attachment relationships. On the one hand, early relationships and stable attachment can mitigate difficult experiences, but if the child has had or has difficulty in attachment relationships with loved ones, it may lead to more frequent recall of earlier experiences and more intense experiencing of current experiences and increased risk of re-traumatization. Thus, it may be at greater risk not only for retraumatization but also for new traumatization and development of new post-traumatic symptomatology.
In the context of the current moment of the health crisis associated with the corona virus, the daily routine we try to make the child as threatening as possible, children with early traumatic experiences may have difficulty functioning due to the more frequent overflow of emotions, especially fear and anxiety, may have disturbing images and thoughts about what has previously been experienced and increased arousal.
Neurodevelopmental differences were also found between children who had previous traumatic experiences than those who did not. Simply put, due to previous traumas in children with traumatic experiences, thought functioning and emotional regulation are less active and fear response is dominant.
They are more susceptible to stress, constant arousal, fear and irritability. It is harder for them to achieve a sense of security and calm, but it is also harder for them to concentrate and focus their attention and often say to themselves that they cannot “think clearly”. And finally, they tend to regulate emotions, and even in seemingly neutral situations or in situations that are just less annoying to most children (such as jokes with each other) despite wanting to feel better, it is because of poor self-regulation that they tend to achieve it.
In times of crisis, they need extra support to feel safe
All of these are the reasons why, in times of this crisis, children with previous traumatic experiences need adults around them who will give them extra support to feel safe, help them cope with fears and help them recover in the current crisis.
In one lecture these days, when we are in crisis, renowned psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk said: “People with previous traumatic experiences feel unsafe inside their bodies – constantly receiving sensations of warning and trying to control them, becoming experts at ignoring possible pleasant feelings and reducing them. awareness, they have learned to hide from themselves. ”
And so, we adults who live with children who have had previous traumatic experiences, instead of asking them the hardest question, “What’s the matter with you?”, Let’s first recall what they experienced earlier:
– Extra care and tenderness help them both during and after difficult events. Help them feel safe with you. Children, and especially those who have had traumatic experiences, need connection. Be with them. Or give them the privacy they need.
– Recognize signs of past trauma, some behaviors that show now, increased fear, confusion, difficulty concentrating … Recognize the characteristics of the present situation that may remind them – uncertainty, loss of contact with a loved one, unpredictability of the situation, losses (contact with family) , contact with friends, inability to take ordinary activities), illness… It is difficult for everyone, and even more difficult for those who remind us of previous events. Be patient, anticipate these situations, tell them that you know that in the present situation, they can remember previous events, and that this is normal, that it occurs in both children and adults.
– Everyone talks about the importance of maintaining a routine. Yes, she is very important, especially to a traumatized child. If she has a daily routine, school, and activities (but certainly no pressure!), It tells the child that she has a future. And this is exactly what children who have had terrifying experiences need, because many of them afterwards felt that time had stopped, that the traumatic experience would last forever and that there was no future for them. This is why focusing on the future is important, and when a child goes to school (at least online), it means that there is a future.
– With routine and structure, do not burden your child with responsibility (for others and for yourself) that is not age-appropriate, as it enhances worry and fear.
– Support children to do the things they enjoy (at least a little). Distraction helps, not just for relaxation, but because they need a break from unpleasant thoughts and feelings.
– Help them (self) regulate their physical sensations and emotions, which are very pronounced. Help them relax with exercise, breathing exercises, relaxing activities, give them a break.
– Exercise optimism. It’s by no means a “pink” depiction of reality (don’t say “nothing”, “it’s okay”). It is a focus on realistic and positive outcomes of the crisis. Imagine future situations, write wishes, posters about future situations, activity calendars.
– Recognize their feelings for children, do not diminish them, do not joke about their fears.
– As hard as it is for everyone now, try to remain calm, try not to overwhelm them with your fears in a crisis situation. Use other sources of support for yourself if it is difficult for you and not your child, especially not one who has had previous traumas.
– Talk to them about the crisis, tell them basic information and let them ask you what they want. Let the conversation be in moments that will open spontaneously. Some of your child’s questions may be repeated, be prepared for them. And as we all already know, limit your constant availability and overwhelming news, which is good for both you and the children.
– Get help when you think your baby needs it and when you don’t know how to proceed. Do not wait for a child who has already experienced trauma to get worse, consult his or her therapist or other mental health professional.
– And be sure to help yourself, take care of yourself, rest and relaxation, seek support and even the practical help of loved ones and professional help if that is not enough for you.
Written by: Assist. prof. Bruna Profaca, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Disclaimer: This is unofficial translation provided for information purposes. Zagreb Child and Youth Protection Center cannot be held legally responsible for any translation inaccuracy.
