The intense anxiety and fear that
often follow a disaster can be especially troubling for surviving
children, especially if children were victims of the disaster.
Some may regress and demonstrate younger behaviors such as thumb
sucking or bed wetting. Children may be more prone to nightmares
and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may suffer.
Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums
more frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary.
There are several things
parents and others who care for children can do to help alleviate
the emotional consequences of trauma, including the following:
Spend more time with children and
let them be more dependent on you during the months following
the trauma - for example, allowing your child to cling to you
more often than usual. Physical affection is very comforting
to children who have experienced trauma.
Provide play
experiences to help relieve tension. Younger children in particular
may find it easier to share their ideas and feelings about
the event through non-verbal activities such as drawing.
Encourage older children to speak
with you, and with one another, about their thoughts and feelings.
This helps reduce their confusion and anxiety related to the
trauma. Respond to questions in terms they can comprehend. Reassure
them repeatedly that you care about them and that you understand
their fears and concerns.
Look for opportunities for self-discovery.
People often learn something about themselves and may find that
they have grown in some respect as a result of persevering through
hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity
have reported better relationships, greater sense of personal
strength while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth,
deeper spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
