The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Trauma often manifests differently in teens as compared to adults owing to the latter’s ongoing developmental changes and challenges. Therefore, when we are on the lookout for signs of emotional distress after a traumatic event in a teenager, we need to look at slightly different ones than we might expect. Sometimes, these signs are mistaken for ‘typical teenager behavior’ and could be discounted. These signs include withdrawal or social avoidance, irritability or aggression, and impulsive risk-taking behaviors. Other signs, such as nightmares or extreme feelings of fear or guilt, may be hidden.
Teenagers who experience distressing or frightening events may end up experiencing trauma, often signified by feelings of intense emotional distress. A sudden car accident, the death of a loved one, an experience of abuse, or continuous exposure to neglect are all possible experiences that can cause teen trauma. Studies show that 3-15% of girls and 1-6% of boys struggling with traumatic experiences eventually develop PTSD. While some trauma symptoms may be visible, others can be intentionally or subconsciously hidden for various reasons, as we will explore in this article.
Some teens unconsciously hide their struggles because they are not aware that their distress is related to a traumatic event; other times, these signs may be intentionally hidden for some of the following reasons:
Fear of judgment by peers or society.
Feelings of shame and guilt.
Fear of re-traumatization.
To avoid overwhelming trauma-related emotions.
To avoid being perceived as weak.
To protect loved ones from distress or constant worrying.
To maintain a sense of normalcy.
To avoid confronting their pain or what lies beneath their trauma.
Teenagers may also fear being vulnerable enough to disclose their traumatic experiences only to be betrayed later. Additionally, some teens from cultures or families that frown upon mental health conversations may choose to keep quiet about their traumatic experiences and difficulties.
Recognizing the Hidden Signs of Teen Trauma
Contrary to popular belief, teen trauma is not always visible, or they don’t look the way we expect them to. The following are some examples of these unseen signs of trauma in teens. Awareness of their appearance can help you identify them if they are present in your teen.
Behavioral Signs
Traumatized teenagers are likely to showcase unexplained or sudden behavioral changes and withdraw from social activities.
Unexplained Changes in Behavior
Trauma can be overwhelming to deal with, especially for teenagers. It often causes intense feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, and, in some cases, emotional numbness. These associated psychological impacts can lead to the following unexplained behavioral changes:
Frequent, intense, and prolonged shifts in moods and behaviors that are not typically associated with ‘teenage angst.’
Development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as risky behaviors, substance abuse, and self-harm. These may act as temporary distractions to the associated pain and helplessness but often end up worsening the teenager’s condition.
Changes in relationships due to increased conflict, trust erosion, or defiance. Others may also seek unhealthy relationships for coping purposes.
Frequently engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors.
Actively avoiding people, places, and activities associated with the trauma.
Compulsively seeking validation or approval from others. This often results from low self-esteem, a possible effect of teen trauma.
Aggressive behaviors or frequent anger outbursts.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
It’s common for traumatized teenagers to withdraw from social activities. Here are a few possible reasons behind this significant behavioral change:
Withdrawal may serve as a protective mechanism against re-traumatization or potential triggers. This is especially common when a teenager perceives social situations as overwhelming or threatening.
Avoidance of judgment or perceived scrutiny: Trauma is often accompanied by intense feelings of shame and guilt, which may prompt teenagers to withdraw.
Trauma is physically and emotionally exhausting. It can drain a teenager’s physical and emotional reserves, rendering them unable to engage in social activities.
Loss of trust: Trauma can cause trust issues. Teens with trust issues often find forming new friendships or maintaining existing ones challenging. Some may also choose to withdraw to avoid perceived future harm or betrayal.
A general loss of interest in life: Trauma can lead to a loss of interest in life, including previously enjoyed social activities.
Communication challenges: Trauma can impede teenagers’ ability to express themselves clearly. Such teenagers may find social interactions challenging, causing them to withdraw.
Stigma: Traumatized teens may fear others finding out about their traumatic experiences and labeling them differently or as broken. This may lead to social withdrawal.
Co-occurring mental health issues: Teen trauma can occur alongside depression and anxiety. The overwhelming emotions and symptoms associated with such mental health issues can prompt social withdrawal.
Traumatized teenagers may also choose to withdraw from social activities or interactions to avoid being misunderstood or invalidated by others upon sharing their experiences.
Emotional Signs
Teen trauma can also manifest emotionally and go unnoticed. Here are a few emotional signs to look out for:
Excessive Fear or Anxiety Over Routine Activities
Teenagers who showcase excessive fear or anxiety over routine activities are likely struggling with an underlying issue. Here are a few reasons why traumatized teens may find everyday tasks overwhelming:
Teen trauma can lead to a heightened sense of awareness and vigilance to potential threats. Everyday activities can be perceived as risky or unsafe or too demanding for the energy the teen feels they have.
Trauma can cause teenagers to be constantly on edge due to an overactive stress response system. This may lead them to perceive routine activities as dangerous or threatening.
Some activities may trigger memories of past traumatic events or occurrences, prompting intense fear and anxiety.
Trauma can distort a teenager’s perception of reality. Teenagers with cognitive distortions may view everyday activities through a lens of fear.
Teen trauma can interfere with a teenager’s sense of safety and control, leading to feeling afraid or anxious even in safe situations.
Teen trauma can cause or co-occur with generalized anxiety disorder, a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry in different aspects of life, including routine activities.
Unusual Emotional Responses to Normal Situations
It’s common for traumatized teenagers to laugh unexpectedly, get angry, or be sad without visible cause. Here are a few reasons why:
Teen trauma can lead to heightened emotional reactivity, pushing teens to react intensely to minor triggers.
Trauma can cause hypervigilance, making teens interpret harmless situations as threats. Intense emotional responses may follow such interpretations.
Teenagers may suddenly remember a traumatic event from a normal situation, leading to intense emotional reactions.
Trauma may cause emotional regulation challenges, prompting exaggerated reactions even in normal situations.
Traumatized teenagers may grow emotionally numb, leading to emotional detachment or lack of emotional responsiveness.
Physical Signs
Here are a few signs regarding the physical well-being of your teen to watch out for if you suspect they are dealing with unresolved trauma:
Changes in Sleeping or Eating Patterns
Teen trauma can cause huge variations in a teenager’s sleeping and eating patterns. Here is how:
Trauma-related flashbacks and nightmares can lead to sleep disturbances.
Trauma can heighten a teenager’s alertness, making it hard to relax and sleep. In return, this may lead to insomnia.
Trauma can cause heightened anxiety, giving teens a hard time falling asleep.
Some teens may choose to oversleep to avoid dealing with intense trauma-related memories and emotions.
Teen trauma can interfere with teenagers’ appetite regulation, ultimately leading to overeating or undereating. Some teens may also choose to use food as a coping mechanism.
Trauma can indirectly affect hunger and satiety signals by upsetting levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. This may, in return, change a teenager’s eating and sleeping patterns.
Physical symptoms related to teen trauma, such as muscle tension and headaches, can affect sleep quality and appetite.
Teen trauma can occur alongside mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Such disorders can disrupt a teenager’s sleeping and eating patterns.
Additionally, teens may turn to maladaptive coping behaviors and mechanisms, such as substance abuse, further affecting their sleeping and eating patterns.
Somatic Complaints Without a Clear Medical Cause
Frequent complaints about headaches or stomachaches can also signify teen trauma. Here is the connection between bodily aches and teen trauma:
Trauma often activates the body’s stress response, which may cause physiological changes to manifest as somatic symptoms such as headaches, shallow breathing, and increased heart rate.
Trauma can dysregulate a teenager’s autonomic nervous system, leading to heightened arousal or physical discomfort.
Trauma-induced emotional distress may manifest as somatic symptoms.
The hypervigilance accompanying teen trauma can increase a teenager’s sensitivity to physical sensations.
Chronic trauma and trauma-induced stress can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, leading to physical issues.
Academic and Interest Signs
Teens struggling with trauma are likely to experience a sudden drop in academic performance or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Sudden Drop in Academic Performance
Here is how teen trauma can lead to or contribute to a teen’s academic decline:
The associated emotional distress can interfere with a teenager’s ability to focus on academic tasks.
It can lead to cognitive impairments, making it challenging for teens to concentrate, solve problems, and master concepts.
Dealing with trauma symptoms can disrupt a teenager’s daily routines, leading to absenteeism, missed deadlines, and challenges in maintaining academic responsibilities.
Teenagers may avoid academic tasks or school, in general, to avoid triggering memories.
Due to insomnia, teenagers may feel overly sleepy during the day, impairing their ability to pay attention in class.
Traumatized teens may experience a decreased interest or motivation in school and school-related activities.
It may impair teenagers’ executive functioning by affecting their planning, organization, and time management abilities. Such teens may find it challenging to prioritize and complete academic tasks.
Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
Here is how teen trauma can lead to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities:
Trauma can cause emotional numbing, inhibiting teenagers from finding pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Trauma can cause cognitive issues, affecting a teenager’s ability to immerse themselves in pleasurable activities fully.
Teenagers may avoid engaging in hobbies or activities for fear of triggering distressing memories or emotions.
Trauma-related feelings of guilt and shame can lead to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Traumatized teenagers may choose to isolate or withdraw from social settings, depriving them of opportunities to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
It may foster hopelessness, leading to a general loss of interest in life.
How Parents Can Intervene
Teenagers look up to their parents when they are scared or uncertain about life (even if it often feels like the exact opposite). Besides being there for your teenager as they navigate the rigors of teen trauma, you can intervene and help teens begin a trauma-healing process.
Starting the Conversation
Teen trauma is a sensitive topic that should be approached carefully. You could create an environment that motivates your teen to share their experiences and feelings. Let’s discuss a few helpful tips.
Approaching the Conversation
Get your timing right. Approach your teenager when they are relaxed or in a comfortable space.
Choose a good setting. Teenagers are more inclined to open up in quiet, private spaces.
Approach the subject with empathy. Show your teenager that you understand them. Refrain from any form of judgment.
Listen actively to your teenager. Give them time to share their feelings and experiences and refrain from providing immediate solutions, however tempting. It can be helpful to clarify your interpretation of what they have said to ensure that you have understood them correctly.
Don’t dive right into the subject. It’s advisable to start with general topics and inquiries before slowly easing into the subject that has given you concern.
Do not force them to share or participate in the conversation if they are unwilling. Teen trauma is complex; let your teenager talk when they are ready. If they are not ready to talk right away, reassure them that you will be there when they do feel ready.
Do not downplay their feelings or experiences, even if you don’t fully grasp what they are undergoing.
Let your teenager know it’s okay to feel the way they do. Besides that, remind them they’re not alone.
Share any relevant personal experiences without dominating the conversation. Sometimes, it can be helpful to share truthful experiences of your own to let your teen know that you understand; however, many times, especially in the beginning, it is more helpful to focus on their experience simply.
Let them know you’re there for them and that you’ll work with them to find a solution for their troubles.
If your teen is uncomfortable speaking to you, you can offer them alternatives, such as writing what they want to say in a letter for you to read or offering them the opportunity to speak to a professional. This is not a reflection on you or your relationship, rather it is an element of working from a space of struggling with trauma.
Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
Safe spaces encourage teens to open up. Here is how you can create a safe conversation space for a traumatized teenager:
Build trust by being consistent, reliable, and non-judgmental in all your interactions.
Avoid invading their privacy. Learn to respect your teenager’s boundaries.
Avoid criticizing your teenager harshly whenever they share or attempt something.
Keep communication lines open. Try to be there as much as possible when they need someone to talk to.
Set clear boundaries and guidelines, but be open to negotiations and compromises.
Maintain confidentiality. Don’t divulge any information your teenager shares with you unless they are a risk to themselves or others.
Seeking Professional Help
After talking to your teenager and learning about their experiences, the next step is collaborating with them to find help. Here are a few tips that can help:
Educate yourself on the available treatment programs, modalities, and approaches. Identify suitable options for your teenager’s needs.
Allow your teenager to participate in the process. Involving teens in decision-making increases their treatment motivation.
Settle for the right professional. Choosing the right trauma treatment program or therapists specializing in teen trauma. You can seek referrals from other parents, family physicians, or the school counselor.
Prepare for any resistance or hesitation. Do not get upset at your teen if they resist therapy or hesitate to get treatment. Instead, be patient and understanding and address their concerns.
Offer ongoing support and encouragement even as you seek professional help. Remind your teenager that they made a good decision.
As you seek professional help, help your teenager adopt healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness meditation. You can either teach them or share relevant resources.
One resource that can offer you and your teen assistance is Nexus Teen Academy, which offers a trauma-informed approach to building a therapeutic treatment plan that works for your teen and your family.
Supporting Your Teen's Healing Process
Once you have begun a healing process with your teen, you can still provide them with integral support and encouragement. Here is how you can support your teenager during trauma treatment or help the teen heal from past trauma:
Create a nurturing and safe home environment by preventing or addressing potential triggers.
Create a safe, open space where they will feel free to share their emotions and experiences.
Provide routine and structure for stability and predictability.
Encourage and help them adopt healthy habits and practices, such as regular exercise and stress alleviation techniques.
Help them with potentially overwhelming tasks, such as scheduling and tracking appointments and attending to responsibilities.
They should actively participate in their treatment journey, stay informed about their therapy or counseling progress, and engage in family therapy.
Offer positive reinforcement by acknowledging and celebrating their progress and achievements.
Above all, engage in self-care practices for yourself. Supporting a traumatized teenager can be a hectic experience that feels overwhelming for parents. Therefore, identifying and engaging in self-care activities like hobbies and journaling is an important element to be considered. Besides enhancing your mental and emotional wellness, you will be a role model to your teenager.
Conclusion
Overcoming teen trauma requires a collaborative approach between teens, parents, and healthcare professionals. As your teenager’s primary support system, you are often the central point to help them navigate the complexities of teen trauma. We encourage you to be patient and understanding and to seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we take great pride in supporting teens and parents in their mental health journeys. We recognize every teenager’s uniqueness and tailor our treatment plans to address specific needs, preferences, and challenges. Contact us for teen trauma intervention, extensive resources, and trauma recovery expertise.
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC and Nexus Teen Academy
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Hidden Signs of Teen Trauma in Arizona
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On April 2, 2024
Table of Contents
Trauma often manifests differently in teens as compared to adults owing to the latter’s ongoing developmental changes and challenges. Therefore, when we are on the lookout for signs of emotional distress after a traumatic event in a teenager, we need to look at slightly different ones than we might expect. Sometimes, these signs are mistaken for ‘typical teenager behavior’ and could be discounted. These signs include withdrawal or social avoidance, irritability or aggression, and impulsive risk-taking behaviors. Other signs, such as nightmares or extreme feelings of fear or guilt, may be hidden.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer tailored support for parents and teens dealing with mental health challenges, such as working through trauma. Besides residential treatment for adolescent PTSD trauma, we provide necessary resources for trauma-informed parenting. Let’s help you understand teen trauma and some of its hidden signs.
Understanding Teen Trauma
Teenagers who experience distressing or frightening events may end up experiencing trauma, often signified by feelings of intense emotional distress. A sudden car accident, the death of a loved one, an experience of abuse, or continuous exposure to neglect are all possible experiences that can cause teen trauma. Studies show that 3-15% of girls and 1-6% of boys struggling with traumatic experiences eventually develop PTSD. While some trauma symptoms may be visible, others can be intentionally or subconsciously hidden for various reasons, as we will explore in this article.
Some teens unconsciously hide their struggles because they are not aware that their distress is related to a traumatic event; other times, these signs may be intentionally hidden for some of the following reasons:
Teenagers may also fear being vulnerable enough to disclose their traumatic experiences only to be betrayed later. Additionally, some teens from cultures or families that frown upon mental health conversations may choose to keep quiet about their traumatic experiences and difficulties.
Recognizing the Hidden Signs of Teen Trauma
Contrary to popular belief, teen trauma is not always visible, or they don’t look the way we expect them to. The following are some examples of these unseen signs of trauma in teens. Awareness of their appearance can help you identify them if they are present in your teen.
Behavioral Signs
Traumatized teenagers are likely to showcase unexplained or sudden behavioral changes and withdraw from social activities.
Unexplained Changes in Behavior
Trauma can be overwhelming to deal with, especially for teenagers. It often causes intense feelings of fear, sadness, anxiety, and, in some cases, emotional numbness. These associated psychological impacts can lead to the following unexplained behavioral changes:
Withdrawal from Social Activities
It’s common for traumatized teenagers to withdraw from social activities. Here are a few possible reasons behind this significant behavioral change:
Traumatized teenagers may also choose to withdraw from social activities or interactions to avoid being misunderstood or invalidated by others upon sharing their experiences.
Emotional Signs
Teen trauma can also manifest emotionally and go unnoticed. Here are a few emotional signs to look out for:
Excessive Fear or Anxiety Over Routine Activities
Teenagers who showcase excessive fear or anxiety over routine activities are likely struggling with an underlying issue. Here are a few reasons why traumatized teens may find everyday tasks overwhelming:
Unusual Emotional Responses to Normal Situations
It’s common for traumatized teenagers to laugh unexpectedly, get angry, or be sad without visible cause. Here are a few reasons why:
Physical Signs
Here are a few signs regarding the physical well-being of your teen to watch out for if you suspect they are dealing with unresolved trauma:
Changes in Sleeping or Eating Patterns
Teen trauma can cause huge variations in a teenager’s sleeping and eating patterns. Here is how:
Additionally, teens may turn to maladaptive coping behaviors and mechanisms, such as substance abuse, further affecting their sleeping and eating patterns.
Somatic Complaints Without a Clear Medical Cause
Frequent complaints about headaches or stomachaches can also signify teen trauma. Here is the connection between bodily aches and teen trauma:
Academic and Interest Signs
Teens struggling with trauma are likely to experience a sudden drop in academic performance or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Sudden Drop in Academic Performance
Here is how teen trauma can lead to or contribute to a teen’s academic decline:
Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
Here is how teen trauma can lead to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities:
How Parents Can Intervene
Teenagers look up to their parents when they are scared or uncertain about life (even if it often feels like the exact opposite). Besides being there for your teenager as they navigate the rigors of teen trauma, you can intervene and help teens begin a trauma-healing process.
Starting the Conversation
Teen trauma is a sensitive topic that should be approached carefully. You could create an environment that motivates your teen to share their experiences and feelings. Let’s discuss a few helpful tips.
Approaching the Conversation
Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
Safe spaces encourage teens to open up. Here is how you can create a safe conversation space for a traumatized teenager:
Seeking Professional Help
After talking to your teenager and learning about their experiences, the next step is collaborating with them to find help. Here are a few tips that can help:
One resource that can offer you and your teen assistance is Nexus Teen Academy, which offers a trauma-informed approach to building a therapeutic treatment plan that works for your teen and your family.
Supporting Your Teen's Healing Process
Once you have begun a healing process with your teen, you can still provide them with integral support and encouragement. Here is how you can support your teenager during trauma treatment or help the teen heal from past trauma:
Above all, engage in self-care practices for yourself. Supporting a traumatized teenager can be a hectic experience that feels overwhelming for parents. Therefore, identifying and engaging in self-care activities like hobbies and journaling is an important element to be considered. Besides enhancing your mental and emotional wellness, you will be a role model to your teenager.
Conclusion
Overcoming teen trauma requires a collaborative approach between teens, parents, and healthcare professionals. As your teenager’s primary support system, you are often the central point to help them navigate the complexities of teen trauma. We encourage you to be patient and understanding and to seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we take great pride in supporting teens and parents in their mental health journeys. We recognize every teenager’s uniqueness and tailor our treatment plans to address specific needs, preferences, and challenges. Contact us for teen trauma intervention, extensive resources, and trauma recovery expertise.