Mentally Handling a Disaster

[Downdraft]

Small children that watch television do not assimilate information like adults do. They will be very aware that something extremely bad has happened but they cannot associate whether it's a past or present event meaning when they see "file" footage on the news they may think it is presently happening. Speak honestly with your children but keep it in simple terms. A childs feelings of security can be easily damaged so tell them a big storm came but it's gone and now people are cleaning up from it. Adults need to be aware that what we are all seeing on t.v. is an assault on our own psyche's. Depression from it may manifest itself through lack of sleep, crying, nightmares, mood swings and lethargy. Anyone developing those symptoms should seek a crisis counselor to help them. In the fire and police departments we call it critical incident stress management. Pastors, Priests, Rabbi's and other religious leaders are trained in counseling this type of problem. You can also call you local fire or police agency and ask them who does critical incident stress debriefings for civilians. None of us are immune from the depression that will set from watching this unfold. While our thoughts and prayers go out to those directly affected we need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones too. This disaster will mentally affect thousands of people not directly involved. This problem holds particularly true for many on this board. We are now faced with the paradox of loving something and yet, remembering what that something can do when it's totally unleashed upon us.

[wwicko]

Excellent post! Cannot be repeated often enough.

[Aquawind]

Good Post Downdraft!

A childs feelings of security can be easily damaged so tell them a big storm came but it's gone and now people are cleaning up from it. Adults need to be aware that what we are all seeing on t.v. is an assault on our own psyche's. Depression from it may manifest itself through lack of sleep, crying, nightmares, mood swings and lethargy.

This isn't easy to watch or even hear about the details..Learn the lessons of the disaster..save your mind and move on to recovery and aid.

Watching the same disaster footage over and over really should not be needed for most..but some never learn.

Paul