If your teenager has had a disturbing traumatic event or repeated distressing experiences in their life, then they might need some therapy. Teens often find it hard to understand and articulate difficult thoughts and feelings; however, a trauma treatment program gives them a safe environment in which they can open up to trained professionals and heal. 

While you might not know what to do right now, your teen's behavior and mental well-being can give you signs that they need trauma treatment. How can you tell if your child needs therapeutic help?

1. Your Child's Behavior Has Radically Changed

Teenagers usually go through some behavioral changes during this stage of their lives. They are transitioning to adulthood and independence.

However, teens with trauma problems often display more extreme behavior. For example, they might act out all the time and start to behave irresponsibly. They might do things that put themselves at risk with no thought of the consequences.

In some cases, teens will start to take drugs or drink alcohol. While many young people experiment at this age, you should be concerned if this behavior becomes habitual or extreme.

Your child might be using these substances to self-medicate. They can't deal with thinking about what happened to them and don't know how to control their feelings, so they try to numb themselves by getting drunk or high.

In some cases, teenagers lose their ability to control their anger. Their trauma bubbles up under the surface. They might lose their temper more easily and, in some cases, might become violent.

2. Your Child Is Depressed and Anxious

If your teenager is unconsciously confused, distressed, and upset, then they might have depression and anxiety problems. They won't have any self-confidence; their self-worth will be non-existent.

Your child might have constantly low moods. They might seem to be permanently sad.

They might also get so anxious that they have panic attacks over simple things. They might not be able to motivate themselves to do even everyday routine tasks. They might become dysfunctional.

3. Your Child Withdraws From the World

Some teens with a history of trauma withdraw from the world. They won't talk to their family or engage with them. While children often talk to their parents less at this age, this behavior can be extreme. Your child might tune out of your family life completely.

Traumatized teens also sometimes stop seeing or talking to their friends. They don't want to socialize with any other people and often make themselves very isolated.

If you are worried about your child, then they might need some therapeutic help. For more advice on your options, talk to therapy clinics about their trauma treatment for teens programs.