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Emotional Distress and Trauma Across At-Risk Populations

Trauma has no boundaries regarding age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It is a common experience for both adults and children, particularly for those with mental health or substance use disorders or those affected by disasters. Addressing trauma is critical to effective behavioral health care and the recovery process.

Populations at higher risk may include:

Children and Youth

Children are among the most vulnerable after traumatic events or disasters. Traumatic stress occurs when a child (0-18 years) feels intensely threatened by an event they experience or witness. Young people often need time and emotional support to feel secure again after experiencing trauma or a disaster. Their reactions are influenced by how parents, relatives, teachers, and caregivers respond. These individuals provide comfort and stability, and play a vital role by maintaining normal routines or establishing new ones after a crisis. With proper caregiving and access to trauma-informed services, many children recover and thrive.

  • Abuse or assault (psychological, physical, or sexual)
  • Domestic, school, or community violence
  • National disasters or terrorism
  • Loss of property or displacement due to disaster
  • Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
  • Refugee or war experiences
  • Military family-related stress (e.g., parental deployment)
  • Serious accidents or life-threatening illness
  • Neglect

  • Over two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16.
  • At least 1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect annually in the U.S.
  • Each day, 14 youth die from homicide, and more than 1,300 are treated for violence-related injuries.

  • Preschool Children: Fear of separation, nightmares, crying or screaming a lot, poor appetite.
  • Elementary School Children: Anxiety, guilt, shame, lack of concentration, difficulty sleeping, withdrawal or disinterest, aggression.
  • Middle and High School Children: Depression, self-harm, substance use, withdrawal or disinterest, risky behavior, aggression.

  • Learning difficulties and lower academic performance
  • Increased use of health and mental health services
  • Higher involvement in juvenile justice systems
  • Long-term health issues (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)

  • Not all children develop traumatic stress after an event, and with support, many recover and thrive.
  • Supportive caregiving systems, access to trauma-informed services, and effective treatments are crucial for recovery.

  • Everyone has a natural alarm system that activates in response to perceived danger, preparing the body to fight or flee.
  • For children, this alarm may cause feelings of fear, anger, irritability, or withdrawal.
  • Recognize what activates the alarm and how their body reacts.
  • Determine if there is real danger and seek help from a trusted adult.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

  • Reassure the child that they are safe.
  • Remind them that they are not responsible for the event.
  • Be patient—recovery times vary, and no child should feel guilty about their emotions.
  • Seek help from trained professionals, such as pediatricians or counselors, when needed for evidence-based trauma treatment.

Adults

Adults impacted by disaster are faced with the challenge of balancing roles as first responders, survivors, and caregivers. They are often overwhelmed by the magnitude of responsibility and immediate task of crisis response and recovery. They must also take time to address their physical and emotional needs as well as those of their family members and community.

  • Crying or severe anger
  • Depression and social withdrawal
  • Loss of appetite or loss of interest in daily activities
  • Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach pain, and fatigue

  • Survivors of disasters or traumatic events
  • Survivors of violence or abuse
  • Those with chronic illness or mental health disorders
  • Those facing economic hardship or discrimination

First Responders and Recovery Workers

First responders and recovery workers—like fire fighters, police officers, military personnel, and crisis counselors—are not only physically and emotionally tested during an emergency, but they also may have loved ones in the area for whom they are concerned. They also are often the last to seek help for work-related stress.

  • Physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, tremors, headaches, or tension
  • Emotional symptoms like fear, anger, irritability, or confusion
  • Risky behaviors and social withdrawal

  • Prolonged separation from loved ones
  • Life-threatening situations
  • Previous traumatic experiences
  • Exposure to stories of survival or loss

Women and Girls at Risk of Intimate Partner or Family Violence

Trauma and disasters disrupt families and communities, increasing stress and the risk of violent behavior, including intimate partner and family violence. Women and girls are especially vulnerable, particularly when disaster-related resources for reporting crimes are limited or unavailable. What may appear as conflict between partners or family members could be part of a larger pattern of abuse. During disaster recovery, the risk of violence rises as women and girls may be displaced to overcrowded, co-ed shelters with inadequate security, heightening their sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Resources

Last Updated: 10/10/2024