Post traumatic stress disorder

 Post traumatic stress disorder occurs as a result of exposure to one or more traumatic events in your life causing intense feelings of horror, helplessness and fear, Traumatic come in many forms with child abuse being one of them. Sometimes people continue to feel hurt and upset some time after an event.

There are people who can help. Contact your family doctor for further information.

What can you do to help your child?

• Letting your children know that you are there for them is very important.
• If the child does not want to talk it is important that he/she knows you are available to talk when they does want to.
• You can ask older children how they would like you to help or support them. Sometimes they cannot tell you, but often they can.
• Keep the child’s normal routines going as much as you can as this provides a feeling of safety and security
• If you feel sad or angry about what happened, tell your children how you feel. They will sense it anyway.
• Don't expect too much too soon.
• Very young children and babies who cannot understand what has happened need lots of loving and holding and care. Even when babies are very young, explain gently what is happening when you do things for them. They will get to feel safe from the sound of your voice and words.
• Remember to let your child's teacher or child care worker know what has happened so they can be ready to support your child.
• Having a bedtime routine with your child such as a bedtime story, cuddles in bed, sleeping with a special toy etc will help relax and calm them. Let your child know that if they are woken during the night and are frightened they can always come and wake you.
• If your child experiences nightmares - during the night comfort the child, and for children who can understand you can remind them that, scary as it is, it is only a dream. Let them talk about it the next day.  Things are always less frightening in the light of day.
• Regression in behaviour - You may see your child regress in their behaviour after a traumatic event – this is fairly common. It won't hurt to let them do this for a short period of time but it is important to reassure them they when they are feeling better they will be ready move on again.
• Children need to be held and reassured that you are there for them and that the trauma is over now. Try to interest them in the real world and what is happening here and now.