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When something scary happens

Information for children

Medical Psychology

This leaflet is designed to help children and young people understand how we can react to frightening events, and to give some ideas of what might help.

How you might react

  • Have nightmares
  • Find it hard to sleep
  • Have an upset stomach or a sore head
  • Feel scared to go out
  • Want to be around family more
  • Act out or re-create the event through play
  • Find it hard to concentrate
  • Keep thinking about what happened, even when you don’t want to
  • Change in behaviour at home or school

After something scary happens, it is normal to have strong feelings.

You may feel

From left to right: Sad, worried, angry, scared
  • Sad
  • Worried
  • Angry
  • Scared

It is OK to feel this way.

There are many things that we can do to make ourselves feel better after a frightening event.

You could:

  • Talk to someone you trust

  • Draw or paint

  • Listen to music

  • Have fun with your friends

  • Play a game

  • Read a book

  • Play a sport

Support from your family and friends may help you feel better after experiencing something scary. There are many ways that they can help.

They could:

  • Try and make things as normal as possible
  • Help you understand what has happened
  • Answer questions truthfully
  • Be available to talk
  • Be patient and let you deal with what has happened in your own time.

Some children may continue to have problems several weeks after the event. If you are worried that a child is very distressed or continues to be distressed after a month or so, you could seek further help from your GP.

Contact us

If you require further information, please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282708
Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays) 9am until 5pm
Email: [email protected]

Patient experience

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.

This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]

T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]

The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
STW0316