How to Help a Teenager through a Traumatic Event

Learn how to help a teenager cope after a trauma has occurred.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Recognizing that teenagers have special during or after a traumatic event can be a difficult task. Teenagers are young adults and will often shut down making it difficult to reach out to them. By being persistent without forcing them to open you can provide them with much needed help during the traumatic event.
2. Be open to listen but do not force the teenager to talk. If you back off after your child refuse to talk the first time you are giving up. The child may need time or simply doesn't feel like talking at the moment you approach him or her. By continually assuring the teenager that you are there to listen you can provide multiple opportunities for the child. It is also important to do listening and not lecturing if you want the teenager to feel comfortable.
3. Encourage the teenager to discuss the event with peers. At this age, most teenagers feel more comfortable relating to their friends or peers. By providing opportunities for your child to get together with friends or participate in events you can help facilitate their expression.
4. Provide the opportunity for the child to help out with the traumatic event. If it is a personal family trauma, offer the teen ways to help the situation. If it is a broader event seek out teenage groups that are involved in the recovery process and see if the teen wants to become involved. Giving the child the power to do something about the very thing they feel they have no control over is a strong liberator.

Tips & Warnings

• If the teenager exhibits severe behavioral changes or does not respond to your assistance seek out professional help.
• Allowing your teenager to get out of the house and resume normal activity can be the best thing.
• Allowing the teenager to withdraw can be devastating.
• Remember that a teenager is not yet an adult and still needs your guidance and support.