When something scary happens

Burns Unit

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When somthing scary happens

Really scary things can happen to anyone. This could be getting hurt, being in an accident, or being really poorly.

It can make us feel sad, upset, frightened, angry, and lots of other things. This is normal and it’s okay to feel like this.

Sometimes we can feel like this for a few weeks after the scary thing has happened and sometimes we can feel like this for longer.

After something scary has happened we might…

Feel jumpy or worried, and find it hard to sleep
Have nightmares or scary dreams
Sometimes we might see pictures, hear sounds, or smell things that remind us and can make us feel like the scary thing is happening again
Feel like it was our fault
Try to stay away from places or people that remind us of whet happened
Try to forget what has happened
Notice that things happen in our bodies like:
- Having sore muscles
- Get headaches
- Having an upset tummy
- Feeling our heart beating really fast

Things that can help

Talk to an adult you trust – like mum, dad, doctor, nurse or teacher about what happened and how you feel.

Spend time with family, friends, and pets.

Try to get lots of sleep. If it’s hard to sleep, let someone in your family know.

When you feel ready, go back to school (even if it feels scary at first).

Square breathing

Imagine a square in front of you. It’s sides are 3 seconds long, like this:

Starting at the top left corner breathe around the square.

Breathe for 3 seconds
Wait for 3 seconds
Breathe out for 3 seconds
Wait for 3 seconds

If you feel like the scary thing is happening again.

Stamp your feet, jump around, dance, or clap your hands to remember where you are now.

Think of all the colours, shapes and people you can see in the room. Think of all the sounds you can hear too.

Remember you are safe, the scary thing is not happening now.

Contact the Burns team

For more information about any of the services please contact one of the following:

Burns Unit

Tel: 0151 252 5400

Open 24/7

Physiotherapy department

Tel: 0151 252 5236

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Occupational Therapy department

Tel: 0151 252 5453

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Psychology department

Tel: 0151 252 5586

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.