Post Traumatic Stress in Kids following Motor Vehicle Accidents

When kids experience a car accident, it can leave them feeling scared and upset long after the accident. This emotional reaction is known as post-traumatic stress, and it is important for parents to recognize and address it to help their children heal. At Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated auto injury care programs in Kentucky, we often see families come into the clinic to be evaluated for different injuries that they can “feel.”  We often see children have a resilience to heal fast and have fewer injuries than other occupants. As parents we cannot forget about the emotional impact a car accident can have on those smaller occupants. Dr. Aaron Workman, a member of the Chambers Medical Group team, discusses post traumatic stress in children following car accidents.

Why It Happens:

The aftermath of a car accident can be a frightening experience for children. The sudden impact, loud noises, and confusion can create lasting memories that are difficult to deal with. Even if they were not physically injured, the emotional trauma of the event can linger, causing distressing symptoms.

How to Know if Your Child Is Upset:

It is essential for parents to be aware of the signs that their child may be struggling emotionally. These signs can include nightmares, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability, avoidance of activities or places associated with the accident, and changes in behavior or mood. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is important to ask them questions and allow them to speak. You may have to ask the question 10 different ways and 10 different times to finally understand what they are feeling, but give them a chance to discover what they are feeling.

Different Levels of Stress:

Some kids might feel more scared after a car crash than others. This can depend on how bad the crash was, did they suffer an injury, were family members in the car and were they injured, did the child see the physical injuries, did air bags go off and make the car seem like it was on fire, was there blood and the list goes on and on.  Each individual accident can give varying degrees of emotional stress to kids that have trouble processing the entire event.

How to Help:

Talking openly and honestly with your child about their feelings is very important. Let them know that it is okay to feel scared or upset and reassure them that you are there to help. Encourage them to express their emotions through drawing, writing, play or talking to you. Engage in activities that help them feel safe and secure, such as spending quality time together as a family or engaging in relaxing activities. Understand that it may take some time for them to feel safe in a vehicle again following an accident.

If your child continues to struggle with post-traumatic stress symptoms weeks after the accident, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor who specializes in working with children can provide valuable support to help your child deal with their emotions. Kids feel safe with routines so try to maintain consistent routines. As a parent, patience and encouragement can go a long way in helping your kids deal with the mental trauma following a motor vehicle accident but you must recognize the problem first.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence