Key Takeaways
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can emerge after exposure to traumatic events, like abuse, violence, serious accidents, or natural disasters.
- PTSD can lead to persistent stress that disrupts daily life.
- With the right support, teens with PTSD can learn to manage their symptoms and, eventually, heal from their trauma.
For some teens, past trauma isn’t just a memory — it’s a weight they carry every day. Living with PTSD can turn ordinary moments into overwhelming experiences. A burst of fireworks might evoke the terror of a shooting, while riding in a car can reignite the panic of a previous crash. Whether it comes from violence, loss, or another painful experience, PTSD in teens can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
If your teen has PTSD, know that help is available. There are effective treatments and support services available to guide them through these challenges. With the right support, your teen can learn powerful coping strategies, gradually ease their symptoms, and take back control of their life.
Symptoms of trauma in teenagers
PTSD in teens can develop after they experience or witness a traumatic event, impacting their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. While their symptoms often mirror those of adults, teens may express distress through impulsive actions, risky behaviors, or aggression.
Of those children and teens who’ve experienced trauma, up to 15% of girls and 6% of boys develop PTSD. A diagnosis is made only when symptoms persist for more than one month and significantly disrupt daily life. Typically, the signs begin to emerge around three months after the traumatic event. Though, in some cases, symptoms can appear months or even years later.
Both the nature of the traumatic event and the intensity of exposure play a significant role in the likelihood of developing PTSD. In one study of a school shooting, the closer students were to the incident, the higher the percentage who developed PTSD. Specifically, 77% of students who directly witnessed the shooting had moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms, compared to 67% of those in the school building at the time and 26% of students who’d gone home for the day.
Teens who have PTSD often have specific triggers, like sights, smells, sounds, and places, linked to the trauma. These triggers can provoke a range of symptoms, including:
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Intense mood swings
- Memory issues
- Increased anxiety, fear, or irritability
- Depression and hopelessness
- Guilt or shame
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Causes of PTSD in teens
PTSD in teens may be caused by one or more traumatic events. Factors like co-occurring mental health conditions or multiple traumas can make them more vulnerable to developing PTSD.
Traumatic events that may lead to a teenager developing PTSD includes:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Neglect (failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, mental, educational, and emotional needs)
- Community violence (gang violence, riots, school shootings)
- Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes)
- Traumatic loss or grief (death, incarceration, deportation of a parent or sibling)
- Serious accidents like car, plane, or train wrecks
- Interpersonal violence or victimization (assault, rape)
How PTSD affects teenagers’ daily lives
PTSD can profoundly affect every aspect of a teen’s life, including their friendships, school performance, and physical well-being.
Teens with PTSD may:
- Become socially isolated: Teens may avoid people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma, resulting in loneliness and isolation.
- Have trouble with relationships: Trauma can significantly affect relationships. Teens may find it hard to open up emotionally, engage in effective communication, or work through conflicts — all of which can impact their friendships.
- Struggle academically: Intrusive thoughts and anxiety can interfere with focus, while fatigue and sleep disruption can make it hard to concentrate and perform well in school. Memory fog can directly impact their ability to retain information and perform at school or extracurriculars.
- Engage in risky behavior: Teens may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to navigate challenging emotions. Up to 59% of teens with PTSD develop substance use problems.
If your teen is experiencing PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help. A qualified therapist can provide guidance and coping tools for teens to make daily life feel safer and more manageable.
Getting treatment for a teen with PTSD
PTSD in teens can be effectively treated, and many experience significant recovery with the right support. While there isn’t a single cure, a combination of trauma-informed therapy, medication, and strong social support can help teens manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Evidence-based treatments for PTSD in teens include:
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT can help teens process trauma, reduce distress, and build coping skills. Teens can talk about their memories of trauma in a safe space and learn techniques to reduce worry and stress.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This form of therapy involves repetitive eye movements or tapping to support teens in processing upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to trauma.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to manage anxiety or depression associated with PTSD. It’s important to work with a provider to determine if medication is right for your teen.
As a parent, your patience and understanding are essential for your teen’s recovery. By fostering a safe environment, encouraging them to express their feelings, and supporting them in pursuing activities they love, you help create a path toward healing.
While your teen is getting professional support, you can also help them at home. Reduce home stressors and build out predictable routines that support a sense of safety. Listen to your teen when they ask for space or connection and try to be aware of their triggers during this healing phase.
Find care with Rula
If your teen has PTSD, therapy and a strong support system can make a significant difference. With the guidance of a therapist specializing in trauma and PTSD, your teen can learn healthy coping strategies, process their experiences in a safe environment, and build the resilience needed to overcome their symptoms.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Linda Childers
Linda is an award-winning medical writer with experience writing for major media outlets, health companies, hospitals, and both consumer and trade print and digital outlets.
Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, WebMD, AARP, Brain+Life, HealthyWomen.org, The Rheumatologist, California Health Report, Everyday Health, HealthCentral, and many other media outlets.
While juggling the responsibilities of being part of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both her toddler son and terminally ill mother, a nurse friend encouraged her to seek therapy, which helped her to learn coping strategies and manage her depression. Linda hopes her work will help to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage others to get the help they need.
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