Helping Kids' Cope After A Disaster
Release Date: October 28, 2002
Release Number: 1435-91
» More Information on Louisiana Tropical Storm Isidore
Baton Rouge, LA -- Nightmares, fears, tears and withdrawal; the psychological after-effects of surviving the distress and damage of Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili may linger with Louisiana children for months to come.
The stress caused by a disaster can affect children more than anyone, according to mental health experts. Anxiety results from the loss of possessions, disruption to family life and a sense of a hostile world created by disaster. Parents are urged to be alert to signs of trouble such as the following:
Children five or younger: Watch for such behaviors as crying more than usual, clinging, nightmares, excessive fear of the dark or of animals or of being alone, changing appetites, or returning to outgrown behaviors such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
Children age 5-11: May show anxiety, irritability or aggression and competition with siblings for parents' attention. They may whine, withdraw from peers or lose interest in normal activities.
Children age 11-18: May show outright rebellion, physical problems, apathy or sleep disturbance.
Effective ways to deal with such behavior include:
- Encourage your children to talk about their fears. Let them ask questions and describe how they're feeling. Listen to what they say, as a family group when possible;
- Reassure children with love. Tell them they are safe, everything will be all right, life will return to normal again;
- Keep them informed, in simple language, about what is happening;
- Emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened;
- Hold and hug them frequently; and
- Encourage them to return to school and discuss problems with teachers and to resume playing games, riding bikes and other such activities.
If a child does not respond, seek help from a mental health specialist. It's also important to take care of yourself. Rest often and eat well. Remember that your children reflect your fears and worries.
Counseling may be available to residents of Louisiana's 36 parishes declared eligible for individual assistance. Counselors will visit community centers, neighborhoods and state/federal Disaster Recovery Centers in the flooded parishes. Individuals may request counseling by calling the Hurricane Assistance Coping Line 800-749-2673 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Jul-2003 16:20:13