Types of Toxic Stress

Depression

Everyone feels sad or blue once in a while, but when those sad feelings don’t seem to go away or keep coming back, it could be depression. Depression is a common but serious problem that can affect a person’s daily life. The good news is that most people who experience depression get better with treatment.

Depressed Face
Depression Handout:

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Grief

It is OK for a child to attend a funeral as long as things are explained ahead of time, the child is accompanied by an adult that can explain the service to them and they are allowed to talk about it after the service has ended.

Hurt Face
Grief Handout:

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Divorce

Separation of parents or divorce in a family can cause distress to all family members. Divorce can be a traumatic experience for children, but most children adjust well within two years. Children often have more problems when parents remain in a marriage filled with high conflict instead of splitting up.

Stress Face
Divorce Handout:

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Deportation

Children often worry when adults around them worry. News reports and adult discussions about deportation can cause children many worries because they do not understand concepts about the law and policy and they fear separation from their parents.

Worried Face
Deportation Handout:

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Natural Disasters

Children’s reactions to natural disasters and their aftermath are strongly influenced by how their parents, teachers, and other caregivers cope during and after the event. They often turn to these adults for information, comfort, and help. These generally diminish with time, but knowing that these reactions are likely – and normal – can help parents be prepared.

Guilty Face
Natural Disasters Handout:

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Traumatic Separation

News reports and adult discussions about deportation can cause children many worries because they do not understand concepts about the law and policy. Some children may become fearful of separation from a parent and others may be coping with having been separated.

More Information

Lonely Face
Traumatic Separation Brochure:

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