Common severe stress reactions to a traumatic event

Emerging Minds and the University of Queensland, Australia, 2019

Related to Bereavement, loss and grief, Disasters, Preparing for natural disasters, Trauma

Following a traumatic event, children may experience a variety of reactions that can range from mild to severe. It is important for adults to watch for any severe reactions from children as this may indicate that additional help is required.

The following fact sheet describes some of the possible severe reactions that children may demonstrate following exposure to various traumatic events. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this guide, the following information is not a substitute for independent professional advice or assessment and is not intended to be used to diagnose mental health difficulties.

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This resource is part of the following toolkits

Community Trauma Toolkit

304 Resources
Toolkit Sections:

Common severe stress reactions to a traumatic event

Emerging Minds and the University of Queensland, Australia, 2019

Discover more resources

Children in the short term after a disaster or traumatic event

Children in the long term after a disaster or traumatic event

Individual and family factors associated with child mental health and wellbeing

A whole child approach to disaster recovery

Highlights in child mental health research: October 2024

Relationships matter: Walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents

Highlights in child mental health research: September 2024

Why we need to support infants and children before, during and after disasters

Disaster preparedness with a focus on infants, children and families

Understanding how disasters influence infants and children

Supporting infants, children and families in an evacuation

How psychological first aid can support infants, children and families who experience a disaster (part one)

This resource is part of the following toolkits

Community Trauma Toolkit

Toolkit Sections:

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