Complex trauma develops through repeated or ongoing traumatic experiences rather than a single event. These experiences can include physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as neglect, while the effect also depends on how the young person experienced the situation and what support was available at the time.

Trauma does not always appear as sadness. Teenagers may become anxious, withdrawn, fearful or depressed, but some may instead become angry, irritable, argumentative or seemingly defiant. Changes in behaviour can therefore be an important warning sign for parents, teachers and other adults.

Young people may also struggle to concentrate or sleep, lose motivation, withdraw from friends or stop enjoying activities they previously liked. Some may begin taking risks or turn to harmful coping mechanisms such as self-harm or substance use to try to manage emotional pain.

Complex trauma can also affect an adolescent’s ability to trust other people. They may become guarded, expect rejection or disappointment and react strongly to changes in relationships, says Bloemfontein clinical psychologist Anneke Franken.

Parents should pay attention when a teenager’s usual behaviour changes noticeably. Withdrawal from friends and family, declining school performance and changes in eating or sleeping patterns can provide early clues, while physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches may also occur.

‘No single symptom proves trauma, but a pattern of significant changes 
may signal a need for support’

Other warning signs can include increased risk-taking, sudden changes in important relationships and hypervigilance, where a young person remains constantly alert for possible danger. No single symptom proves trauma, but a pattern of significant changes may signal a need for support.

Early intervention is important because adolescents are still developing the way they understand themselves, relationships and coping. Support does not always begin with asking a young person to describe what happened, says Franken. It can start by establishing whether they feel safe and have someone they trust.

A predictable routine, emotional support and practical coping skills can help create stability before more specialised trauma treatment is considered. Families can play a major role by providing safety, connection and a sense of belonging while allowing teenagers space to continue normal friendships, activities and development.

Schools are equally important because adolescents spend much of their day there. Teachers do not need to act as therapists, but they can learn to recognise changes in behaviour, respond sensitively and refer learners for professional help when necessary.

Access to suitable mental health services remains a major challenge, particularly for children and adolescents. Support therefore works best as a team effort involving families, schools and mental health professionals rather than expecting one person or service to deal with complex trauma alone.

Trauma can have a profound effect on a young person, but it does not determine their future. Adolescents can be highly resilient when they receive the right support, says Franken. Parents should listen before trying to solve everything, avoid minimising their experiences and still allow them opportunities to succeed and enjoy being teenagers.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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