Weeks after the onset of the storm, Sandy’s flood waters have receded, and demolished homes are in the process of being repaired. However, the aftershocks of the storm may persist in many children who were in its path, leaving an emotional impact that can be more devastating than the physical damage the storm caused.
Children and adolescents are at a high likelihood of developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as withdrawal, depression, sleeplessness and unusually aggressive behavior, because they do not have the same ability to anticipate and cope with trauma as adults do.
Some potentially useful methods to reduce stress and anxiety following Hurricane Sandy include:
– Returning to normal routines, and having family meals that can be comforting to children
– Encouraging optimism when it comes to managing the aftermath
– Remembering, as a parent, to engage in healthy coping patterns
– Reaching out for professional help if symptoms of trauma stress do not subside
The last point is particularly important, as research has shown that children who have experienced trauma do not eventually ‘get over’ their experiences, and may turn to alcohol, drugs and/or ineffective ways of coping. A treatment model named ‘Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has been developed to help children overcome stress disorders and has been used worldwide following natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121106114044.htm
