Roughly 66% of children and adolescents will experience some form of trauma by the time they are 16 years old. As our young adults live through events like the Covid Pandemic and school shootings, their rates of PTSD increase. Trauma can have a profound impact on a young person's emotional and mental well-being. As parents, it’s difficult to watch your child grapple with the effects of trauma, particularly when it begins to manifest in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, self-harm, or withdrawing from the world. In this guide, we will explore healthy ways to cope with trauma and help you understand how to support your adolescent through these challenges.  

Understanding Trauma & Its Impact on Adolescents

Trauma in adolescents can stem from various sources: childhood abuse, neglect, bullying, witnessing violence, the loss of a loved one, or natural disasters. Anything that is emotionally disturbing or life-threatening can result in trauma. While trauma affects everyone differently, its impact on an adolescent’s developing brain can be profound. Trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, dissociation, and even PTSD. 

A key aspect of trauma is how it manifests in everyday life. Adolescents may begin to display risky behaviors, substance abuse, or withdrawal from friends and family. Often, these behaviors are coping mechanisms for the emotional pain they are experiencing but do not know how to express. It’s important for parents to understand that a teens bad behavior may be due to something more than teenage angst. Approaching the situation with empathy rather than anger can make a world of difference. 

The Connection Between Trauma & Substance Abuse

At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we’ve seen a strong link between unresolved trauma and substance abuse in adolescents. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary escape, numbing the overwhelming emotions tied to trauma. However, these substances only exacerbate the problem, leading to a cycle of addiction that can cause further damage to  emotional and physical health.

It’s important for parents to recognize that substance abuse may serve as a red flag, signaling deeper underlying issues such as trauma. For long-term recovery, healing the cause is more important than treating the symptoms. 

Healthy Coping Mechanisms: What Parents Can Do to Help

The journey to healing begins with healthy coping strategies that empower adolescents to process their trauma in constructive ways. While professional help is necessary for many young people, parents play a vital role in fostering an environment of support, compassion, and growth. Here are some healthy coping mechanisms to guide your child toward healing: 

1. Encourage Open Communication

Creating a safe space for your teen to express their feelings without fear of judgment is imperative. Often, young adults feel isolated in their pain and may be reluctant to open up. They may be scared, ashamed, or angry. Encouraging honest dialogue about their experiences and emotions can help alleviate the burden they carry.

As parents, active listening can be a good way to establish trust. Avoid interrupting or immediately offering solutions—sometimes, what your child needs most is someone who will listen and validate their emotions. Remind them that their feelings are valid, and there is no wrong way to feel.

2. Promote Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help adolescents cope with trauma related stress and anxiety. Practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation teaches them to stay grounded in the present moment and reduce overwhelming feelings.

Mindfulness can also be an effective tool for regulating emotions. By becoming more aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment, teens can learn to respond to emotions in healthier ways rather than acting out impulsively.

Parents can support this by modeling mindfulness practices in their own lives or engaging in relaxation techniques with their adolescents. Making these practices a family activity can help normalize them and show your child that self-care is important.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Trauma often causes a buildup of emotional tension in the body, and physical activity is an excellent outlet for releasing it. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or even dance, encouraging your teen to engage in physical activities they enjoy can help them process trauma in a healthy way. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we integrate physical activity into our comprehensive treatment programs to promote holistic healing.

4. Introduce Journaling as an Outlet for Emotion

Writing can be a powerful tool for emotional release. Journaling allows adolescents to put their thoughts and feelings into words, helping them process what they are going through. It provides a private, judgment-free space where they can express emotions they might not feel comfortable sharing aloud. 

You can encourage journaling by offering a journal as a gift and suggesting that their adolescent write whenever they feel overwhelmed. Journaling can also serve as a way to track their emotional progress and recognize patterns in their behavior or feelings.

5. Establish Routine & Structure

Trauma can often leave adolescents feeling like their world is unpredictable or out of control. Establishing routine and structure in daily life can provide a sense of stability and security. Regular sleep patterns, meal times, and activities can help an adolescent feel grounded.

While it’s essential to maintain flexibility, having predictable routines can reduce anxiety and give adolescents a sense of control over their environment.

The Importance of Professional Support

While these healthy coping mechanisms are helpful and necessary, it’s important to recognize when your child needs professional help. Trauma can have deep psychological effects that may require the expertise of licensed clinicians. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs tailored specifically for adolescents struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma.

Our team of professionals works closely with families to ensure that each person receives the support they need in a safe and compassionate environment. Trauma-informed care is central to our approach, meaning we address not only the symptoms but also the underlying trauma that contributes to the emotional and behavioral challenges your adolescent may be facing.

Supporting Your Adolescent Through Trauma

At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we are here to support your family every step of the way. If you suspect your adolescent is struggling with trauma or substance abuse, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about how our trauma-informed care can help your family find healing and hope.