Today, trauma and responses to trauma triggers are increasingly common among adolescents. Studies over the last several decades have changed the way experts recognize, understand, and treat trauma. Trauma can present with symptoms similar to anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder for many adolescent boys. Unresolved trauma can cause behavior, mental health, and physical health problems. Luckily, there are trauma treatment programs specifically for teenage boys right here in North Carolina.
If your teen struggles with trauma response or you suspect they are dealing with unresolved trauma, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our holistic addiction and mental health treatment programs treat teen males in beautiful North Carolina. Get your son the help he needs now by calling us at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our trauma treatment programs.
What Is Trauma, and How Does it Affect My Teen?
Trauma is a physical, emotional, and mental response to a stressful, often life-threatening event. When a person undergoes a life-threatening event, the body releases chemicals that immediately process or stay in their body until they are released. This causes trauma to trap itself in body tissues, resulting in post-traumatic stress or PTSD. When the body doesn’t fully process trauma in real-time, the body will attempt to finish processing any time trauma is triggered through loud noises, circumstances that remind the person of the event, bright lights, or other surprises. Trauma triggers are different for everyone based on the experience they’ve endured and their normal stress response. They can be physical, emotional, and stress-induced and may include:
- Overwhelming emotion
- Anxiety
- Muscle tension
- Injury
- Car accidents
- Near misses (almost falling, almost hitting another car, etc.) that remind them of the traumatic event
- Witnessing a traumatic event in person or online
Places, people, and specific actions can trigger traumatic memories. When memories are triggered, the body starts to relive the trauma, even if they aren’t in physical danger. It’s vital to address the symptoms of unresolved trauma.
Signs and Symptoms of Unresolved Trauma and PTSD in Teen Males
While teenagers can have unpredictable behavior, a trauma response shows specific emotional and physical signs. These symptoms can be overwhelming for parents and teens who have experienced trauma. That’s why it’s essential to spot and understand signs of trauma. Some signs include:
- Sudden confusion
- Dissociation and forgetfulness
- Physical and emotional numbness
- Overarousal
- Sudden and extreme exhaustion
- Agitation and mood swings
When trauma is triggered, a teen’s behavior shifts quickly. During a traumatic event and trigger, the body goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. The nervous system switches to a state of dysregulation, which causes a quick heartbeat, sweating, confusion, hyperventilation, and anxiety. Once triggered, it can be hard to calm the nervous system, especially if you don’t know what’s happening.
Begin Trauma Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Today
Trauma and PTSD are conditions that affect people every day. Our fast-paced stressful lives can compound trauma and make it hard for the nervous system to reach a regulated state. Unfortunately, many teenagers struggle with undiagnosed trauma. By treating trauma and providing teens with coping tools, they feel more secure, empowered, and prepared for daily life. If you suspect your teen is struggling with PTSD or unresolved trauma, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for help.
Our programs provide teenage boys with holistic healing for co-occurring disorders and addiction. We understand and specialize in the hardships that teenage boys face in today’s world. Our programs offer family, group, equine-assisted, wilderness, and individual therapy for a comprehensive recovery. Call us now at 866.300.5275 to learn more about trauma treatment for teenage boys in North Carolina today.
