Can PTSD be prevented?
There is no surefire way to prevent PTSD. Given a severe enough trauma, it can develop in anyone. Some children may be less prone to developing PTSD simply as a matter of their inborn temperaments. “Toughening a child up” psychologically does not work. On the contrary, children who have been exposed to prior traumas (for example, unexpected or lengthy separations from their parents) may be even more likely to develop PTSD. On the other hand, children who are secure and well loved may have a stronger emotional base from which to withstand the stress of a traumatic event. More information: • Times of Crisis • Coping with the Emotional Fallout • How Your Faith Can Help in Times of TragedyTalk about: • Talking to Young Children About a Violent World • Discussing World Violence with Older Children If you wish to print this article, click here for a printer-friendly version. If you do not have a PDF reader, you can download and install a free copy from Adobe. All content within this Site (as
