Emotional Care after a Traumatic Injury
What to Expect After a Traumatic Injury or Emotional Distress
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic injury can cause emotional distress in children and teenagers, as well as siblings, parents and the entire family. Children and siblings may act differently after leaving the hospital. You may notice changes in:
- Eating habits
- Sleep
- Play or recreational activities
- Mood and behavior (may be angry, irritable, restless, sad, quiet, withdrawn)
- Emotional reactions
- Attention and concentration
- Memory
- Regression (may act younger than appropriate for age, i.e., bedwetting after already toilet trained)
- Dreams (may have nightmares)
- Physical symptoms (may have stomachaches, headaches, fatigue)
- School performance and behavior
These changes are normal and should disappear with time. If these changes in behavior last longer than six months and / or affect your child's daily activities, professional care may be needed.
What You Can Do to Help
Children need to talk about their experiences and express their feelings. There are many ways to encourage your child to share his / her feelings. For example:
- Talk with the entire family. Ask your child if he / she has any questions about the event or being in the emergency department. Children need to know it's okay for them to talk about what happened.
- Encourage your child to draw pictures, write stories, or keep a journal about the experience.
When your child expresses feelings through these activities, reassure him / her that feeling upset, scared, sad, angry, or worried is normal and that it's okay to cry or be mad.
Other Things You can Do to Help Your Child
- Create a safe and caring environment (i.e. stuffed animal, night light, hugs)
- Return to normal daily activities, family routines, limits, and rules when possible
- Let your child know that the event and medical care was not a punishment (even if broken rules were involved)
- Tell your child that it is okay to play, smile, laugh and have fun, even if other family members are sad
- Talk to your child's teacher, babysitter and other important people in your child's life, so they can also help support your child
For Further Help
There are professionals at Cincinnati Children's who can help you, your child and his / her siblings cope with their experiences.
If you have questions or need additional information or support, contact Trauma Services, 513-636-8556. Trauma services will be able to connect you with a child life specialist, social worker, chaplain, trauma nurse practitioner, or other professional who can assist you.
If your child has any symptoms or problems related to his / her injuries, you can call your pediatrician or bring them to the Emergency Department.
Rev. 3/07
