PTSD symptoms are emotional or physical reactions clients may experience after a traumatic event. These may include flashbacks, avoidance of certain places or people, feeling constantly on edge, or difficulty sleeping. If not dealt with, these symptoms can worsen over time and lead to bigger struggles in different areas — academics, friendships, and daily productivity.
The PTSD Symptoms Worksheet is created to help clients increase their awareness of both emotional and bodily reactions caused by PTSD. It includes a list of symptoms divided into four categories—Physical, Behavioral, Emotional, and Mental. They can mark the symptoms they have experienced and write down other symptoms not included on the list.
Completing the worksheet can help kids and teens feel understood, which is an important part of recovery. Their answers can give parents, teachers, and therapists more insight into their experiences and the kind of help they need.
This activity can be paired with coping strategies and calming activities, like art, storytelling, or simple yoga stretches to manage stress in their daily life.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of trauma worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Dyregrov, A., & Yule, W. (2005). A review of PTSD in children. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 11(4), 176-184. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-3588.2005.00384.x
- Hawkins, S. S., & Radcliffe, J. (2005). Current measures of PTSD for children and adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 31(4), 420-430. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsj039
- Lofthouse, K., Beeson, E., Dalgleish, T., Danese, A., Hodgekins, J., Mahoney‐Davies, G., Smith, P., Stallard, P., Wilson, J., & Meiser‐Stedman, R. (2023). Characteristics of complex posttraumatic stress disorder in young people with following multiple trauma exposure. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 65(6), 822-831. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13918
