Does my child need counseling or additional help? When to look for more help
You have the very important job of making sure your child gets the best medical care for his physical injuries. You are also the best person to monitor how your child is coping, and when some extra help, such as trauma counseling, might be needed. In the first few days after an injury, many kids (and parents) feel a little upset, jumpy or worried, and can use a little extra support from family and friends.
Does my child need counseling or additional help? When to look for more help
Does your child have traumatic stress symptoms that:
- Get in the way of getting back to usual activities?
- Stop your child from enjoying things he used to enjoy?
- Seem to be getting worse rather than better?
- Have lasted more than a month?
Does your child:
- Get Physical symptoms if reminded of the injury or what happened?
- Try not to Talk about it?
- Startle easily (for example, jumping at sudden noises)?
- Get very Distressed if reminded of the injury?
If any of the above are true, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor or another professional about how your child is doing.
This website can help you create and print a list of your child's reactions and feelings. You can share that list with others who can help you.