A LifeCare® Digest on Coping with Tragedy
This information is brought to you by LifeCare®.
The recent incidents of terrorism have shocked, saddened, and angered the nation, and left many people—both those directly and indirectly affected—wondering how to deal with the aftermath of such tragic events. This digest offers tips and information on taking care of yourself, helping others cope, and talking to your children about violence.
Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Disasters such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, can result in extreme emotions, including stress, helplessness, fear, irritability, anger, depression, and grief. Although everyone deals with trauma and stress differently, there are some common reactions, including:
If you or a loved one are experiencing extreme symptoms of stress, depression, grief or anger, consult a professional such as your doctor immediately for help. Your workplace may have an employee assistance program; check with your employer to learn of services available to you and your family.
Additionally, many temporary shelters offer free counseling services to victims—or referrals to professionals who can provide further assistance. In addition, consider the following tips:
Keep in mind that emotional and physical reactions to a traumatic event may not appear immediately. Sometimes they may appear hours, days or even weeks or months after the event. The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, months or possibly longer depending on the severity of the event. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals who are unable to regain control of their lives, or who experience the symptoms above for more than a month, should consider seeking professional mental health assistance.
How Children React to Trauma
How a child responds to a tragic event will vary depending on a child's age, personality, and maturity level—and how directly he or she was involved with the tragedy. Children that were directly affected by an incident may suffer from severe anxiety or trauma—and will probably need professional help. All children, however, may be affected by the violence.
Younger children may react by showing more separation anxiety when their parents leave them at child care or school. Some children, particularly those age nine and under, may be unable to grasp the reality of the tragedy, or comprehend that violence could affect their own lives. Others may be frightened that something could happen to them. Older children may present a rough exterior or act out with aggressive behavior, and still others may attempt to protect themselves through denial, cynicism or apathy. Some signs of anxiety that may indicate your child is having difficulty dealing with the stress of a traumatic event include:
Remember, these symptoms are common reactions to anxiety. However, if symptoms persist for longer than 6 weeks and disrupt your child's daily routine, seek help from a pediatrician, psychologist, or social worker. A professional can help your child deal with his or her emotions and can provide valuable tips and guidance to parents.
In addition, ask your employer if they offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). An EAP counselor can provide counseling on a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, dealing with violence and more.
How Can Parents Help?
Speak to your child about the tragedy openly and honestly, adapting your conversations to the age of the child. Children deserve honest answers, regardless of their age. You do not have to provide every detail, but don't hold back too much information, either; instill trust in your child while helping him or her understand what happened.
The following tips may help:
Encourage your child to express his or her feelings. Children usually feel better when they can talk about their feelings. To help your child sort out his or her feelings, ask specific questions such as "How do you feel? Does it make you feel scared? What worries you the most?" Encourage your child to be honest and open, and listen carefully for clues about hidden feelings or worries.
Reassure your child. Respond to your child's feelings; acknowledge his or her fears; and continually reassure your child that he or she is safe. Stress that this was a rare incident, and that he or she is not in danger, but avoid making false promises such as "Nothing like this will ever happen to you." Instead, offer your love, support and guidance and say things such as "I am here to protect you and to help keep you safe." In addition, remind your child that others such as the police and government are also doing everything they can to keep us safe.
Monitor the media. Monitor and limit the amount of television your child watches. If your child sees disturbing footage, his or her fears and anxieties may escalate. Do not allow younger children (under age eight) to watch television. Older children should watch television (briefly) with parental supervision. Explain to them what is going on and then shut the TV off, saying you will check back later.
Speak to your child's school administrators. Ask your child's teachers and/or school principal how they are handling the event. Are classes proceeding as normal? Are crisis counselors available? Many schools speak to students about safety issues, and reassure them that they are doing everything possible to keep the children safe.
Pay close attention to your child. If you notice any unusual behavior, it may be a reaction to stress, fear or trauma. Learn how to recognize the warning signs (as described in the previous section) and seek professional help from a pediatrician, counselor, social worker, psychologist, or other professional if necessary.
Emergency Resources
Numerous organizations have set up emergency services to assist people with
finding information about a loved one or other important information.
Airlines
If you have a question about a loved one on any flight, family members can call
these numbers for further information. If you can provide details on the flight
(flight number, time of flight, origin or destination of the flight), this will
assist representatives to find out more information.
Air CANADA: 800-521-0810
American Airlines: 800-245-0999
Canadian Air: 888-247-2262
Continental Airlines: 800-525-0280
Delta Airlines: 800-221-1212
Jet Blue: 888-538-2583
Midway: 800-446-4392
Northwest Airlines: 800-225 2525
Southwest Airlines: 214-792-4223
TWA: 800-221-2000
United Airlines: 800-932-8555
US Airways: 800-428-4322
Additional Resources
Following a disaster such as the recent terrorist attacks, emergency management
organizations provide shelter, first aid, food and counseling to assist victims
and their families. To find the shelter nearest you, contact
your local Red Cross chapter or call one of the hotlines below:
OVC Family Assistance Call Center: 800-331-0075
OVC established a national toll-free information line for victims and families
of victims that is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can provide
crisis counseling. Victims can obtain information about available benefits,
receive referrals to local resources, and provide pertinent victim identification
information as well as contact information for future notification about benefits,
services, and criminal justice proceedings.
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/familycallcenter.htm
American Psychological Association
750 First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
202-336-5500
www.apa.org
Crisis Counseling Assistance line: 202-336-5800
This nonprofit organization provides information and referrals to state associations that can help you find local clinical psychologists. They are offering crisis counseling to anyone who needs it during this tragic time.
American Red Cross Hotline: 800-435-7669
www.redcross.org
The American Red Cross has activated its Aviation Incident Response Team to
both the Boston and New York City areas. To donate blood in any area, call 800-448-3543.
The Red Cross will also provide crisis mental health counseling. To find out
more information contact the Red Cross at 800-435-7669.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):
FEMA has set up a toll-free Help line: 800-525-0321
(Or 800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired)
500 C St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
www.fema.gov
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President. FEMA's mission is to reduce loss of life and property and protect our nation's means of communication. They have set up a task force to address any concerns or needed assistance with this tragedy.
Morgan Stanley Hotline: 888-883-4391
Morgan Stanley, the largest tenant in the World Trade Center, established
this emergency contact phone number for employees and their families.
Note—For those who would like to help, these organizations are always seeking volunteers, donations and financial aid. Additionally, following such an event, blood donations are always needed. As needs vary by location and continually change in the days following a disaster, it is best to call these agencies for a list of specific needs before you make a donation or to see how volunteers are needed.
This LifeCare® Digest is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations.