Dr. Sid Khurana on Helping Children After Traumatic Loss
Nevada Mental Health’s Dr. Sid Khurana recently spoke with News 3 Las Vegas about the serious and complicated trauma children can experience after a violent loss within their family.
The interview followed a tragic Las Vegas domestic-violence case in which two children lost both parents. Dr. Khurana explained that an experience like this can contain several overlapping forms of trauma, including the loss of a parent, exposure to homicide and the effects of suicide. Those layers can shape how grief and emotional distress appear over time.
Trauma Can Affect Children in Different Ways
There is no single response that every child will have after a traumatic loss. Some reactions may appear quickly, while others can emerge later. Children may experience changes in sleep, mood, concentration, school performance, relationships or behavior. They may also struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress or unhealthy ways of coping.
Dr. Khurana noted that children who experience this kind of trauma can face a substantially higher risk of psychiatric conditions. That increased risk does not mean a child is destined to develop a particular diagnosis. It does mean that consistent support and careful attention to changes in daily functioning are especially important.
Stable Relationships and Routines Can Be Protective
A strong support system can help a child begin to regain a sense of safety. Trusted caregivers, extended family members, teachers, counselors and friends may all contribute to that stability.
Preserving familiar routines can also help. Returning to school, staying connected with friends and maintaining predictable meals, activities and bedtime routines can provide structure during a period that otherwise feels uncertain. Adults can make space for questions and feelings without forcing a child to discuss more than they are ready to share.
Professional support may be appropriate when distress is persistent, worsening or interfering with sleep, school, relationships or everyday activities. Nevada Mental Health provides pediatric psychiatry services for children, teenagers and families who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression and related concerns.
Recognizing Escalating Domestic Violence
Dr. Khurana also emphasized the importance of recognizing signs that domestic violence may be escalating. Abuse, threats, property damage, stalking or the involvement of weapons should be taken seriously. People who believe they or someone else may be in immediate danger should call 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting START to 88788, or at TheHotline.org. For mental-health crisis support, call or text 988.
Watch the News 3 Las Vegas segment featuring Dr. Khurana:
Read the original News 3 Las Vegas report.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
