Medical care can be scary for a child. A hospital may have bright lights, loud sounds, needles, tests, and people they do not know. In addition, a child may not understand why these things are happening.
For some children, the fear goes away when they leave the hospital. However, other children may keep feeling scared long after they go home.
This can be a sign of medical trauma or hospital anxiety.
Medical trauma can affect children during cancer care, surgery, emergency care, or other medical treatment. It can also affect parents, caregivers, and siblings.
Most importantly, children need to know they are not alone. With time, care, and support, they can begin to feel safe again.
What Is Medical Trauma?
Medical trauma can happen after a scary or painful medical event.
For example, a child may feel afraid during a hospital stay. They may also feel scared during tests, treatment, surgery, or other care.
Sometimes, the fear continues after the event is over.
A child may think about what happened again and again. They may become scared when they see a doctor. In addition, certain sounds, smells, or places may remind them of the hospital.
These feelings are real.
However, they do not mean that a child is weak. They mean the child went through something that felt very scary.
Signs of Medical Trauma in Children
Every child reacts in a different way. Therefore, the signs of medical trauma may not look the same for every child.
Some children talk about their fear. Others may show it through their actions.
Signs can include:
- Fear of doctors, hospitals, tests, or treatment
- Trouble sleeping or having bad dreams
- Crying or becoming upset more often
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Wanting to stay very close to a parent or caregiver
- Avoiding things that remind them of the hospital
- Feeling nervous or always watching for danger
- Remembering scary parts of treatment again and again
- Becoming quiet or pulling away from other people
In addition, younger children may have trouble finding the words to explain what they feel. As a result, changes in their actions may be an important clue.
Hospital Anxiety During Pediatric Cancer Care
Children with cancer may spend a lot of time in medical settings.
They may have blood tests, scans, medicine, procedures, or hospital stays. They may also meet many doctors, nurses, and other members of their care team.
Over time, even routine care can become stressful.
For example, a child may become worried before an appointment. They may feel sick when they enter the hospital. Or, they may become scared when they know a test or procedure is coming.
Therefore, helping a child feel safe should be part of their care.
Help Your Child Feel Safe
Parents and caregivers can help children feel safer during medical care.
First, listen to your child.
Let them talk about what scares them. Also, try not to tell them that they should not be afraid. Instead, let them know that their feelings are okay.
Next, give simple and honest answers.
Children often feel safer when they know what to expect. However, the amount of information should fit the child’s age.
Whenever possible, give your child small choices too.
For example, they may be able to choose which arm is used for a blood pressure check. They may choose a comfort item to bring. They may also choose music to listen to.
Small choices can help a child feel more in control.
Coping With Scary Medical Moments
Simple coping tools can help during stressful moments.
For example, slow breathing may help calm the body. A favorite stuffed animal can also provide comfort. In addition, music, drawing, games, or a familiar blanket may help.
Grounding can help too.
Ask your child to notice what they can see, hear, touch, or smell. This can bring their attention back to the present moment.
You can also remind them:
You are safe right now.
I am here with you.
We will get through this together.
Let Children Express Their Feelings
Children do not always express feelings with words.
Therefore, give them other ways to communicate.
They can draw a picture. They can write in a journal. They can play with toys or dolls. They can also use music, art, or stories.
Most importantly, do not force a child to talk before they are ready.
Instead, create a safe place where they know they can talk when they want to.
Keep Routines When You Can
Cancer and medical treatment can change normal family life.
Still, small routines can help children feel safe.
For example, try to keep regular meal times, bedtime routines, school activities, or family traditions when possible.
Of course, some days will be different.
That is okay.
The goal is not to make every day perfect. Instead, the goal is to give your child some things they can count on.
Parents and Caregivers Need Support Too
Watching your child go through medical care can be very hard.
You may feel scared, angry, tired, or helpless. You may also feel pressure to stay strong for your child.
However, you need support too.
Talk with someone you trust. Ask family or friends for help. In addition, speak with your child’s care team if you are having a hard time.
Taking care of yourself can help you be there for your child.
When Your Child May Need More Help
Many children need time to adjust after scary medical care.
However, some children may need more support.
For example, talk with the care team if fear is making daily life very hard. You should also reach out if your child cannot sleep, avoids needed medical care, has strong fear that does not improve, or seems very different from how they were before.
A child life specialist or mental health professional may be able to help.
Early support can make a difference.
Healing After Medical Trauma Takes Time
Healing does not always happen in a straight line.
A child may have several good days and then have a hard day. In addition, a new test or hospital visit may bring old fears back.
That does not mean healing has stopped.
Instead, continue to offer comfort and support.
Celebrate small steps. Listen when your child needs to talk. Give them time when they need it.
Most of all, remind them that they are more than what happened in the hospital.
You Are Not Alone
Medical trauma and hospital anxiety can affect the whole family. However, families do not have to face them alone.
Support is available.
Your child’s doctors, nurses, child life team, counselors, and other trusted professionals can help. In addition, support groups and pediatric cancer organizations can connect families with people who understand this journey.
There may be hard days ahead. Still, there can also be good days.
There can be laughter.
There can be hope.
And, one small step at a time, there can be healing.
Your child is more than a diagnosis.
Your family is more than this difficult chapter.
Hope is real, and you do not have to walk this road alone.
