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Coping with Traumatic Events |
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The ability to cope with traumatic events (suicide, family illness, terrorist attacks or natural disasters such as tsunamis or hurricanes) can be a challenge for anyone. Yet there are ways to facilitate the acceptance process and decrease the risk of long-term negative effects.
Below is a list of commons symptoms that might indicate a problem, as well as a series of links to helpful websites that offer guidance on coping with difficult experiences and techniques to assist you in talking to your child. |
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Warning signs of coping difficulties
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Immediate reactions (24-48 hours)
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These behaviors are “normal” responses to a traumatic event, but should be brought to the attention of a counselor: |
Suicidal thoughts or references
Excessive, uncontrollable crying
Refusal to acknowledge/discuss the event
Mentally rehearsing (or play-acting/drawing) what happened
Intense anger, aggression, destruction of property
Inability to focus, excessive daydreaming
Somatic complaints (headaches, nausea, stomach aches, hyperactivity, excessive fatigue)
Anticipation of re-connection with the deceased (e.g. calling them and expecting them to pick up the phone, waiting for them to call, etc.)
Concern for personal safety (self and others') leading to clinging / fear of being alone
Increased sensitivity to loud noises (sirens, bells, thunder, backfires, etc.)
Nightmares
Excessive desire to spend time with peers (particularly among high school age)
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On-going symptoms
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These behaviors are an indication that a student is having particular difficulty and should be referred to a counselor immediately: |
Continuation of any of the above behaviors (more than 24 - 48 hours)
Changes in eating patterns (less or more)
Changes in sleep patterns (less or more)
Persistent anxiety
Self-mutilation (cutting, scratching, excessive nail biting, etc.)
Social isolation/withdrawal
Confused or distorted thinking
Complete absence of emotion
Preoccupation with death
Talk of reunion with the deceased
Suicidal thoughts or references
Useful Websites
National Association of School Psychologists (helping children cope)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children
https://starr.org/programs/national-institute-for-trauma-and-loss-in-children-tlc/
National Center for P.T.S.D. (common reactions to trauma)
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/isitptsd/common_reactions.asp