Smiling on the Outside, Hurting on the Inside

Emotional Wellbeing and Healing Practices for Children

In this series, we break down the impact of displacement, instability, violence, and trauma in children, and offer exercises to support children in their healing journey.

Dr. Patricia Gerbarg

Pioneering Clinical Psychiatrist, Author

Dr. Richard Brown

Pioneering Clinical Psychiatrist

Somiari Fubara

Mental Health Specialist, GEANCO Foundation

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Smiling on the outside, hurting on the inside

Even if a child is smiling, it is important not to disregard their emotions. They could be bottling up their negative emotions. Children who have experienced trauma in some way can mask up and hide their real feelings from others.

How displacement instability & uncertainty affect children
Signs of emotional distress or trauma
Create a safe, consistent and healing environment
How to help children make sense of their emotions
How to hold space for children expressing their emotions
Manage emotional releases in a supportive way
Practices that help ease sadness, depression, & anger
Understanding sadness & depression in children
The roots of anger
Risks of destructive behavior & self blame
When children ‘act out’, don't take it personally
Smiling on the outside, hurting on the inside
Diffuculty sleeping is a common problem with extreme stress
Your voice and expressions communicate care
Patience is key
For the parents: be a healing presence for your child
For survivors: moving forward from tragedy to healing
Help overcome feeling of helplessness