For example, many families might need to relocate due to job changes, financial hardship, or military involvement. While many of the examples listed above may be more easily thought of or identified as traumatic, other events might be less obvious when thinking about the potential of traumatic impact. Additionally, for more detailed descriptions of different traumatic events, click check out the NCTSN’s Definitions of Different Trauma Types document. But remember, not all events may be considered traumatic for each individual.įor this list and more information about traumatic events check out the NCTSN’s Resources for Parents and Caregivers webpage. Your child or a child you know may have experienced something that is not on this list, but the event could still qualify as or feel traumatic. The image below illustrates some potentially traumatic events. This is not a comprehensive or complete list.

Reactions to a traumatic event can also have lasting effects on the individual’s daily functioning including possible changes in a child’s mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual health (See traumatic stress below for more information). Sometimes people experience these types of strong negative emotions in reaction to the experience or because the person may not have the ability to protect or stop the event from happening. When this happens it can cause emotions such as fear, loss, or distress. An event can be traumatic when we face or witness an immediate threat to ourselves or to a loved one, and it is often followed by serious injury or harm ( NCTSN Parents and Caregivers Website). A traumatic event is a scary, dangerous, or violent event.

Signs emotional trauma in children