When Violence Becomes Normal: How Teens Cope with Ongoing Trauma

In today's world, teens face many challenges, and one of the most damaging is exposure to violence. This isn't just about witnessing a single event, but living with continuous threats and harm. This ongoing stress can lead to something called Continuous Traumatic Stress (CTS). It's like having a low-grade fever that never goes away, wearing you down over time. Researchers in Lithuania wanted to understand how teens handle this constant pressure. They looked at how different types of violence affect teens' mental health. They used a special tool called the Continuous Traumatic Stress Response (CTSR) scale to measure this. The scale was tested on a group of 321 teens, both boys and girls, to ensure it worked well for everyone. The study found that teens who experience ongoing violence show more signs of CTS. These signs include feelings of exhaustion, detachment, rage, betrayal, fear, and helplessness. The more recent the violence, the stronger these feelings. The researchers also found that different types of abuse, like neglect, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, all contribute to higher levels of CTS. The teens were divided into three groups based on their CTS levels: low, moderate, and high. A score of 18 or more on the CTSR scale indicated severe stress. This finding highlights the urgent need for mental health support for teens experiencing continuous violence. It's crucial to recognize that teens living with constant violence need help. Schools, communities, and families must come together to provide the support these teens need. Early intervention can make a big difference in their lives. Remember, every teen deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.