Sometimes trauma doesn’t end when the crisis is over. Families navigating medical challenges, disability, emergencies, or ongoing stress may experience emotional effects that linger quietly beneath the surface. During PTSD Awareness Month, learn how PTSD can affect both children and adults, what warning signs to watch for, and where families can turn for support.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone at any age after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, PTSD can develop after a single event or repeated exposure to trauma, and it can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being, relationships, and ability to function in daily life. While PTSD can feel isolating and overwhelming, effective treatment options are available, and many people experience meaningful improvement with the right support.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can look different from person to person, but some common symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or sensory triggers, make the event feel like it is happening again
- Avoidance of reminders, including places, conversations, or thoughts connected to the trauma
- Increased negative thoughts and emotions that may feel different from before the event
- Heightened physical or emotional reactions, such as feeling constantly on edge, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or unhealthy coping responses (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
How PTSD Can Look Different in Children
Children may not always have the words to describe what they are feeling, so PTSD symptoms can show up in behavior and emotional changes instead.
- Young children may have trouble sleeping, become very distressed when separated from caregivers, or reenact parts of the trauma in play
- Children ages 7–11 may show increased irritability or aggression, avoid school or friendships, and experience nightmares
- Adolescents ages 12–18 may show signs of depression, withdrawal from others, or engage in risky or reckless behavior (CDC)
When to Seek Support
If symptoms last longer than a month, feel overwhelming, or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek professional support. PTSD is treatable, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference.
Common evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapy and medication when appropriate. Therapy approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to help many individuals work through trauma and reduce symptoms (American Psychological Association).
Tools like the PTSD Decision Aid can also help individuals and families better understand treatment options and decide what approach may fit their needs. In addition to clinical care, supportive strategies such as breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, mindfulness practices, and leaning on trusted support systems can also be helpful in managing symptoms over time.
Healing is not always linear, and recovery often takes time, patience, and support.
Caregivers Need Support Too
Families and caregivers supporting someone with PTSD are also impacted and may experience emotional strain of their own. Reaching out for support is not only appropriate, but it is also important. Trusted friends, family members, counseling services, community resources such as calling 211, or 988 for crisis support can all be part of a care network when things feel overwhelming.
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