Traumatic stress in kids happens when they go through one or more scary or dangerous events.

For example, being in an accident, being hurt by someone or even just seeing something really frightening can cause this type of stress. Staying in the hospital or having medical treatments can also be a traumatic event for a child. If a child has gone through something traumatic before, they are more likely to have a strong reaction if something scary happens again.

Children's reactions depend on a number of things. A child's age, personality and support people in their lives affect their response. Their ability to understand things will affect how they move forward in daily life.

It can be normal for children to have stress and react when they return to the place where the trauma occurred. They can have the same response the first time they repeat the same thing they were doing when the trauma occurred. For example, if they have been involved in an automobile accident, the first time they ride in a car again may be very stressful for them. Their heart may race, and they may start to sweat or cry. This is a very normal first reaction.

Some fears and feelings of distress linger for a longer time. They can include:

• Severe, ongoing emotional upset
• Difficulty playing or talking with others
• Extreme sadness
• Feeling very numb
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty paying attention or "spacing out"
• Learning problems and other difficulties at school
• Fear of going to sleep
• Nightmares or night terrors
• Stomachaches, headaches or other physical pain

Child traumatic stress can be effectively treated by qualified clinicians. Early care may limit any long lasting problems with school, personal, social, or family life.