Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.
Secondary PTSD is a relevant and widespread mental health problem in many places and communities in the United States (US). It needs to be mentioned that “secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another” (“Secondary traumatic stress,” n.d.b, para. 1). Unfortunately, the condition is common in all age groups, including children. Researchers note that “each year more than 10 million children in the United States endure the trauma of abuse, violence, natural disasters, and other adverse events” (“Secondary traumatic stress,” n.d.b, para. 1). The number of children with secondary PTSD is even higher.
Most of the children with firsthand conditions have friends and minor relatives. They constantly contact and interact with each other, and the latter inadvertently affects the mental health of the former, which leads to the development of secondary PTSD. One should also add to this number the children affected by their parents with PTSD to make a whole and unfavorable picture (“Secondary trauma effects,” 2020). To find an effective way to ensure the healthy development of the mental health of children and future US generations, one needs to explore and analyze the existing knowledge about secondary PTSD in children.
When analyzing the discussed topic, the first question that comes to mind is what causes secondary traumatic stress in children. Medical experts argue that there are two major sources of the condition, which are parental genes and interaction with an individual with firsthand PTSD (“Secondary trauma effects,” 2020). Researchers note that secondary traumatic stress “can be passed down from a victim of trauma to the next generation” (“Secondary trauma effects,” 2020, para. 2). As noted above, communicating with and hearing from a traumatized person about their negative experiences may negatively influence the listener’s mental health and trigger the condition.
Other big questions are how secondary PTSD affects a child and how a health professional detects the condition. Vicarious trauma includes many physical and mental symptoms of varying severity. Sleep disturbance and eating disorders are some of the mild ones (“Secondary trauma effects,” 2020). Severe signs and symptoms are stress, anxiety, and negative behavioral and emotional changes (“Secondary trauma effects,” 2020). Secondary PTSD can lead to depression and physical health issues in children, such as exhaustion and a weakened immune system (Marsac & Ragsdale, 2020). Parents should immediately send their children to a mental health specialist after the first signs of the disorder are detected.
Like any other mental or physical condition, secondary PTSD requires treatment. The scientific community allows patients to prevent and treat vicarious trauma both by themselves and with the help of mental health workers. There are two categories of techniques for preventing and treating compassion fatigue, namely non-pharmacological and pharmacological. The non-pharmacological approach includes counseling with a psychologist, self-validation and relaxation techniques, regular exercise, daily planning, sleep schedule, and journaling (“Secondary traumatic stress,” n.d.a). Medication is mainly used to prevent the development of secondary traumatic stress and to treat severe cases.
References
Marsac, L. M., & Ragsdale, B. L. (2020). Tips for recognizing, managing secondary traumatic stress in yourself.AAP News.
Secondary trauma effects on teens and young adults.(2020). Sandstone Care.
Secondary traumatic stress. (n.d.a). Administration for Children & Families.
Secondary traumatic stress. (n.d.b). The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.