News:

Helping in Times of Tragedy

By Traci Bisaillon, MS

Project Coordinator

Everyday, as a nation and as individuals, we see, read, and hear about events, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear. From a national catastrophic event like 9/11, to a local tragedy like the one endured by the city of Newton and the students and staff of the Oak Hill Middle School, these traumatic life events have a significant impact on everyone. As school-based professionals, you are undoubtedly particularly sensitive to how these types of events can impact students. You are also uniquely positioned to try to offer some assistance. For both adults and children, a frequent occurrence after exposure to a traumatic event is the manifestation of a group of behaviors most commonly referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The National Center for PTSD lists the following as common problems that someone may experience after a traumatic event.

1. Fear and anxiety - because "one's view of the world and sense of safety have changed";
2. Re-experiencing the Trauma: unwanted thoughts may come to mind or one may have flashbacks of the events. Sleep disturbances, such as nightmares may occur;
3. Increased arousal - one may feel jumpy, shaky, or be easily startled. If this continues, irritability may arise;
4. Avoidance - especially avoidance of situations that may be reminders of the trauma;
5. Anger;
6. Guilt and Shame - especially those who survived;
7. Grief and Depression;
8. Negative self-images or views of the world;
9. Increased use of substances and alcohol.

There are also specific signs of PTSD to look for in children. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says that children with PTSD may:

1. worry about dying;
2. lose interest in activities they once engaged in;
3. complain of physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches;
4. demonstrate regressive behaviors;
5. have difficulty concentrating;
6. show sleep disturbances.

In addition, children suffering from PTSD may display inordinate clinginess, refuse to go back to school, articulate persistent fears, withdraw from friends and family, or demonstrate a preoccupation with the traumatic event. If one or more of these behaviors is manifesting itself, then it may be time to seek professional help for that child. Since the symptoms and behaviors of PTSD may not manifest until a later time, it is important to be observant of young people on a consistent basis, not just immediately following the traumatic event. One can still be affected by traumatic events and yet not be diagnosed with PTSD. What can you do as a professional or a parent to help a child who may be experiencing general feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear? The experts recommend that first it is important you, as the adult, take care of yourself. Children can pick up on your state of mind, so if you are anxious or upset, children may exhibit similar behaviors. Once you feel that you are supported; you are in the best position to help a young person. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests then that you:

1. Talk about the event with the child and find out what the child already knows and work from there. Listen for their misconceptions and misinformation.
2. Be simple and direct when explaining the events that have occurred. The amount of information you give can depend on the child's age. Take cues from the child as to how much information to give.
3. Limit television viewing of the events.
4. Encourage questions and answer them directly.
5. Don't force the issue. If the child does not wish to discuss the events and or their feelings, wait until they are ready. But let them know you are ready when they are.
6. Know that the child may not always seem interested in the events. Older children may be turning to their peers rather than their parents or teachers.
7. Let the child know that steps are being taken to keep he/she safe.
8. Role model by sharing your feelings, too.
9. Help the child find concrete ways to deal with their feelings. Getting involved in community activities may be helpful.

It is important to remember that both children and adults may never totally "recover" from the traumatic event. Dr. Frank Ochberg, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Michigan State University says "you don't get closure on trauma, tragedy, the impact of human cruelty, but you do grow, you do get sadder and wiser and you do, more often than not, get the opportunity to help fellow travelers. Closure is a myth, but progress is not." (Dr. Ochberg's complete interview, entitled "9/11 Anniversary Reactions", can be found at www.giftfromwithin.org).

If you are interested in learning more about this issue, a "google" or "yahoo" search on "trauma" will provide you with many links to helpful sites and resources. Other resources include:

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.org - This site contains information on child and adolescent psychiatry, including fact sheets for parents and caregivers, current research, practice guidelines, managed care information, and much more.
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Children, Terrorism & Disasters Toolkit www.aap.org/terrorism - A website on Disaster Preparedness to meet the needs of children.
• Center for Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/ChildrenAnxiety/ - A website of resources that are dedicated to managing anxiety in times of crisis.
• National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder www.ncptsd.org - This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.
• National Association of School Psychologists www.nasponline.org - This site provides information and resources to help educators work with children on coping with tragedies.
• National Education Association www.nea.org - The nation's leading organization committed to advancing the cause of public education.
• PBS and Mr. (Fred) Rogers www.pbskids.org/rogers/parents/sept11-thoughts2.htm - This site gives tips to parents as well as help for children in times of trauma and disasters.