Growing Teen Minds

For parents looking to support their teens further, there are many valuable resources available.  Consider seeking guidance from trauma-informed counselors or therapists. Books such as The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and Parenting a Teen Who Has Intense Emotions by Pat Harvey offer helpful insights.  Websites like the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (www.nctsn.org) and the Child Mind Institute (www.childmind.org) provide additional information and tools. 1. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Website: www.nctsn.org NCTSN provides resources to help parents understand childhood trauma and its effects, offering toolkits, guides, and fact sheets on various trauma-related topics. 2. Child Mind Institute Website: www.childmind.org This site offers expert articles and resources on mental health and trauma in children and adolescents, as well as guidance on finding a child therapist. 3. American Psychological Association (APA) Website: www...

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their teen’s recovery from trauma.  Creating a stable, predictable home environment can help rebuild a sense of safety.  It’s also essential to encourage open communication, allowing teens to express their feelings without judgment.  Teaching healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness exercises or engaging in creative activities, can also be beneficial.  Importantly, parents should seek professional help when needed, as therapy can provide a safe space for teens to process their experiences. Check out this video! Trauma in Children: What You Can Do to Help | Uchenna Umeh | TEDxAlief Video Summary:   This talk contains a discussion of suicide and sexual assault. Please consult a mental health professional and do not look to this talk as a substitute for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of trauma and depression. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the...

Recognizing trauma in teenagers can be challenging.  Some common signs include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from family and friends, frequent outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns.  Parents should also be on the lookout for physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches, which can be linked to trauma.  Teenagers might also exhibit risky behavior or show a lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Check out this video! PTSD in Teens and Children: It’s Real | AAP Video Summary:  Teens and even young children can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. What’s PTSD like, and how do you know if you or someone you care about might have it? Pediatrician David Hill describes PTSD, what causes it and how trauma-informed care can help. Sources: • SAMHSA. (2014). Understanding Child Trauma. Retrieved from www.samhsa.gov • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (2022). Signs of traum...

Trauma can have a profound impact on brain structures and functions.  It often leads to changes in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus.  The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational decision-making, can become underactive, leading to impulsive behavior.  The amygdala, the brain’s alarm system, may become overactive, causing a heightened state of fear or anxiety.  Additionally, the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory, can shrink, resulting in difficulties with learning and memory recall. Check out this video! Trauma on the Brain: The Neurobiological Effects of PTSD | Daisy Payton | TEDxMeritAcademy Video Summary:  The neurobiological effects of PTSD can vary based on personal touch. PTSD is caused by extreme trauma and is seen most in women. Research shows that long term experience of traumatic stress has drastic impacts on specific structures of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex. These disruptions can affect the ability to regu...

Trauma can be defined as an emotional or psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event.  For adolescents, trauma might result from various experiences such as bullying, neglect, family violence, or witnessing a traumatic event.  These experiences can disrupt a teenager’s sense of safety and well-being, leading to long-lasting emotional and physical consequences.  Trauma is particularly impactful during adolescence due to the ongoing development of the brain and the way teens process emotions. Check out this video! Childhood Trauma Video Summary:   The most important thing a parent can do for their child after a traumatic event is to ensure and provide safety. Allow them to make sense of their emotional reactions such as fear or grief. Sources: • American Psychological Association. (2020). Trauma. Retrieved from www.apa.org • van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma .

During adolescence, the brain undergoes a remarkable period of growth and change.  This phase is marked by the strengthening of neural connections and significant developments in regions like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control.  At the same time, the brain’s reward system becomes more active, leading teens to seek new and exciting experiences.  This combination of developing impulse control and a heightened reward response helps explain why adolescents may engage in risk-taking behaviors or struggle with regulating their emotions. Check out the video below! Unlocking the Adolescent Mind: Insights from Dr. Siegel Video summary:  Delve into the fascinating world of adolescent brain development with Dr. Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine. In this enlightening video, Dr. Siegel unveils the intricacies of the adolescent brain's remodeling process, offering keen insights into the behaviors an...