When someone is impacted by mental health challenges and injuries, it can affect every member of the Family or close community, including children and youth. Many Veterans face posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) — a broad term that refers to any kind of mental health challenge or condition that happens after someone experiences, sees or hears about a traumatic event.

It’s important for children and youth with a loved one who is experiencing a PTSI to know that it’s okay to reflect on how they’re feeling too, and that there are supports and strategies available to help them navigate challenging emotions.

Many of the coping strategies for Families and friends can help children and youth, but it is helpful to be aware of reactions and strategies that are specific to them. Here you’ll find age-appropriate information and resources specifically for children, youth and parents.

Resources

For children and youth: Mental health and coping strategies

It is important for children and youth to be able to access and understand age-appropriate information about mental health, the impacts of PTSI and coping strategies.

MindKit was co-created by the Atlas Institute and young Family members of Canadian Veterans living with a PTSI.

For parents and caregivers: Supporting children

Living with someone with a PTSI can be tough on the whole Family and it may feel challenging to connect with your children during this time. There are small things you can do to help your child feel safe, supported, and connected.

Here are some practical strategies you could try:

Note: You do not have to do all of these at once — pick one strategy that feels manageable today. Small actions can help build connection and comfort over time.

For parents and caregivers: Talking about a PTSI

If someone in your Family is experiencing a PTSI, it can affect everyone regardless of whether or not it is openly discussed or acknowledged. Sometimes, it is hard to know if or how a child is impacted.

Children can be highly perceptive and may start pick up on changes in mood, behaviours or routines in their household. Without open honest communication about what is going on, they may start to blame themselves or feel confused about what they are seeing, hearing or feeling.

You might be wondering:

• Should we talk about the injury?
• When is the right time?
• What’s the best way to explain it to my child?
• How do we help them feel safe and know that it is not their fault?

It may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming at first, but opening up the door to conversation can make a meaningful difference for your child. It can help them to understand that what they are sensing is real and that there are ways to overcome these challenges.

To help answer these questions and offer guidance, Atlas has co-designed two practical documents with an advisory committee of Veterans and Family members.

Supporting your child

• Children can react in various ways. Look out for emotional (e.g. feeling anxious or worried, feeling detached), behavioural (e.g. acting out, taking on the role of a parent, isolating, overachieving) and physical (e.g. getting stomach aches, headaches) reactions.
  • In some situations, your child might develop secondary traumatic stress. This type of stress happens when they hear about the traumatic experiences of their parent.
• As a parent, there are small things you can do to help lessen the challenges your children may be facing. To learn more about these strategies, check out the Resources section.
• When talking to children, try to reinforce the following key messages:
  • It is not their fault
  • It is not their problem to fix
  • Their job is to be a child — to laugh, play, make friends and learn
  • They are loved
  • The adults in their lives are working towards solutions
• Certain behaviours may signal that your child needs additional support (e.g. therapy). Look out for the following:
  • Expressing feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Being preoccupied with violence, death or other “dark” ideas
  • Changing their usual sleeping, socializing or eating habits
  • Withdrawing from school or social activities
  • Having difficulty paying attention
  • Having emotional responses that are disproportionate to the situation
  • Using drugs, alcohol or other substances

Additional resources

Other resources that may be helpful for talking about PTSI and other related topics with children.

Stories from military children

Hearing the stories of others can offer hope by reminding you that you aren’t alone in your experiences. Check out these stories shared by young Family members of Veterans from across Canada, as they talk about what it’s like to live with a PTSI in the Family and share ways to build resilience by prioritizing your own mental health.

As you listen to each story, we encourage you to reflect on your own experiences. You can even do this together as a Family.

Getting support

Don’t be afraid to see professional help — it can be a positive step forward.

If your child is showing signs of emotional distress, contact:

• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Family Information Line: Call 1-800-866-4546 or email FIL@CAFconnection.ca
• Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service: Call 1-800-268-7708

If your child shares thoughts of suicide or exhibits signs of suicide or self-harm, reach out to immediate supports such as 9-8-8, your Family doctor or another service provider.