What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by violent or terrifying events. Most often, people associate it with veterans or abuse survivors. However, anyone who has undergone a horrific event might develop PTSD. PTSD can take weeks, months, or even years to manifest, so even if it has been a long time since a triggering event, it is worth considering if your foster child’s abnormal behaviors are symptoms of PTSD.
Here is a list of a few of the most common symptoms.
1. Upsetting Dreams and/or Nightmares
Of course, having nightmares is a normal part of childhood. However, if your foster child has repeated, vivid nightmares about a terrifying event, this is one sign that they may have PTSD. If this happens, keeping a dream diary may be one way to keep track of these dreams so that they can be used in therapy or with another mental health professional.
2. Blocking Out Memories Related to the Event
If your foster child can only remember bits and pieces of a scary event, this is another sign that they may have PTSD. Your child’s mind may be repressing the most traumatic parts of what happened to them. Working with a mental health professional may help to unblock these memories so that they can be processed safely.
3. Constant Alertness and Being on Edge
Your foster child being easily startled and always on edge is another sign. This is because your child’s mind is always looking out for signs of danger; they do not want to undergo another traumatic event. Mental health professionals can specifically work to alleviate your child’s concerns and help them to relax as they go about their daily life.
Do These Symptoms Look Familiar?
If your foster child demonstrates the above symptoms, it is worth looking into potential mental health treatments so that they can stay happy and safe. Please contact us for more information and assistance in your search. Your foster child’s well-being is important to us.