Trauma injuries are physical damage resulting from a traumatic event, which is a dangerous, violent, and stressful situation that tests our body’s tolerance levels. These traumatic injuries can be the result of a car accident, natural disaster, accident, or violence.
These injuries come in a variety of types and can have a significant impact on a child’s physical and emotional health. This can result in intense emotions and physical reactions to the event, which may persist long after the physical wounds have healed.
The hidden emotional impact of childhood trauma injuries:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jesal Sheth, senior consultant-pediatrician and neonatal intensivist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, shared, “For parents whose children experience traumatic injuries, the healing process is a long journey, one that often tests their own resilience. , Many types of trauma injuries can affect the brain, chest, abdomen, skeleton, or multiple other parts of the body. If children do not recover completely, they may suffer from physical disabilities.
According to him, even after recovery, getting back to social routine is sometimes challenging. Dr. Jesal Sheth reveals, “Some injuries can even lead to cosmetic disfigurement or permanent disability, which can further affect their self-esteem. Traumatic experiences can cause strong physical and emotional reactions even after the situation is under control. Children may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, etc.
Many children and their families who have gone through severe traumatic events may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and this manifests as depression, anxiety, isolation, mood swings, memory problems, poor attention span, etc. It is possible “When children experience severe traumatic injuries, their brains and bodies may take longer to heal and this may interfere with their ability to perform daily tasks, participate in co-curricular activities,” said Dr. Jesal Sheth. and its impact is almost always visible in their academic performance. ,
Long road to healing:
Dr. Jesal Sheth elaborated, “Physical injuries are visible to the naked eye and hence can be treated as quickly as possible. In case of injury from a severe traumatic event, doctors usually recommend a CT scan or MRI to identify the extent of the injury. However, emotional wounds are difficult to diagnose, and for their mental well-being, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial for children in the recovery phase. This may include activities such as conversations, games and educational work. Parents can provide the comfort, support, patience, love, and extra time needed to help their child heal during this process.
However, as children are resilient creatures, parental support is very important during their treatment journey. Dr. Jesal Sheth stressed, “Parents also need support as they try to be present for their children and recover from life after a traumatic event. They should be made aware of the treatment options available and counseled so that they can choose the best option for their children. Emotional support is important during difficult times, and an active network of family and friends can provide this. As children heal and learn to live with their memories and traumas, parents must also learn to adjust to their new realities and reaching out to a mental health professional can be very helpful.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
