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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

When parents are divorcing, the impact on the child or young person can be
significant and the levels of stress, anxiety and distress can vary depending on
the nature of the separation and the age of the child.

The child may feel both fearful and angry or even worried about having somehow
been the cause of the separation. Anxieties may be worsened by having to change
homes and schools.

Trauma-related causes

Children who have experienced traumatic events such as a car accident, house fire
or burglary may experience anxiety afterwards and this may easily go unrecognised.
Anxiety and stress are normal reactions in such instances, and parents, carers
and others close to the child can support them to get over the shock in the
following days or weeks.

R Further Research: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Research has shown that Adverse Childhood Experiences and
trauma in childhood are associated with a wide range of harmful
behaviours throughout life, such as smoking, substance misuse,
risky sexual behaviours and violence.

Read more about this interesting research by visiting the website
below. Make notes in the space below.
https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/Pages/aces.aspx

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