Children and Disasters

New Site! www.preparednessmama.com

2013-07-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you've been to any of my presentations recently than you've heard me tell you about www.preparednessmama.com. Last year a good friend and I decided to pool our knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm into one great place. I'm slowly moving information over to www.preparednessmama.com but we are also adding so much more. Don't worry I won't shut this blog down until EVERYTHING is moved updated and duplicated at www.preparednessmama.com. Please check us out! Our goal is to encourage and enable you and your family to meet your preparedness goals. Thanks for coming here, my presentations and hopefully soon www.preparednessmama.com.

Teach the Children

2012-06-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

Have you taking the time to teach your kids how to call 911 or when to call?
Sesame Streets printable emergency preparedness booklet (see the Educational Resources page for the link) there's a wonderful practice script and phone for teaching and practicing calling 911. This is an important step in ensuring that help arrives efficiently and quickly.

I realized while working on scouts requirements with my son who is a tiger scout that he didn't even know how to call a friend. This is a good place to start. But I realized that he needs to feel confident in his phone communication skills in order to call for help in an emergency.

Once the basic skills of calling your best bud for a play date are down, then teaching how to call 911 is the next step. They need to know that the dispatcher is going to require certain information, and isn't interested in the normal "how are you doings?" they would usually offer. Its also important to have that required information posted where the kids can find it and read it (see the post "what's on your fridge?"). Remember if they have to call they're going to be scared and nervous, therefore more likely to forget what they're calling for or what to say. By practicing the phone call you can create a reflex for them in an emergency. They know who to call, where to find the information, and what to say.

Go further to let them know that the dispatcher will then give them instructions, and probably want them to stay on the line (and what that expression means). It's important the know that they don't just hang up when they're done with reciting the information on the fridge. Help them to understand what the dispatcher does, how the system works and what they can expect. Most importantly they need to know that the dispatcher is friend and trusted adult, just like policemen and firemen.

So as much as we hope that no one in our family has to call 911, its always best to be prepared!

What's on your Fridge?

2012-06-05T12:03:00.002-07:00

For most of us the fridge is the gallery for childrens' art work, random reminders and a large mass of forgotten papers. But it should have some of the most vital information in the house.

Do you have a list of emergency numbers and contacts on your fridge?

Right next to the freezer handle rests the location that every sitter is directed to. My emergency list!
It has our:

Our Home Address
Home/cell Phone Numbers
Non-Emergency Numbers for the fire department and police department
Poison control
911 (I would hope my sitter knows this already but its pre-printed)
Doctors names and numbers
The hospital name and number
Emergency Contacts

Remember this information isn't just for the babysitter to get a hold of you, but it may be that you're children may need if you're the one who's injured or in crisis.

Oregon Parents for Quake Resistant Schools

2012-06-05T11:25:00.001-07:00

OPQRS is an organization for increasing the safety of schools in Oregon.
Oregon Parents for Quake Resistant Schools
I went to their presentation this weekend and was so glad to hear I wasn't alone. I'm grateful that someone has paved the way for parents voices to be heard in this area.
Over 50% of Oregon schools were not built to minimum earthquake standards. I realized that in my little district of only 5 schools, only 1 would qualify. Thankfully due to a new school closure ("merge") my kids will be going there. I'm feeling better about this merge already. But I would like to encourage all of you to sign their petition for the state to increase funding for school upgrades. currently there is a fund - the Seismic Rehabilitation Grants Program, but due to red tape not much of the funds are being distributed. Now is the time to step up and let our voices be heard. After all our kids are the only people that are mandated to be in a specific location for a specific number of hours and days - should we be demanding that they have a safe environment while they're there!

http://quakesafeschools.com/

Earthquake Bags

2012-06-05T11:15:00.004-07:00

So I realized as a listened to the presenter across the hall during an expo in April that I was lacking in one small area that could have a major effect on the safe and quick exit of my family in an earthquake. I also realized why my son has been insisting on bringing his shoes into his room and putting them under the bed (a habit I detest since we live in the rainy NW and they get lost among the other items he shoves under his bed).

multiple occupants per a room

single occupant per a room

In the book We Shake in a Quake, the family puts a flashlight and a pair of sturdy shoes under their bed so that when the next earthquake hits they are prepared. Aah Haaa! flashlights double as light sabers at my house so I've been hesitant to put them in my kids rooms, because I don't like going through batteries like water, but I realized Lliam has been trying to send me a message. So we went to the dollar store and purchased some cheap flashlights. I never use my reusable grocery sacks for their intended purchase (I'd have a cart full before I even got my groceries if I did). So they made the perfect bag. A friend had just given us a few boxes of shoes so it was easy to find a pair for each of the kids (that was just a size of 2 two big). It wouldn't be a bad idea to add a jacket or raincoat either.

store the bag under the bed

We put the bags under their beds and I explained to the kids that these were only for an emergency. And if they played with the flashlights they would be left in the dark when they needed them. So far it hasn't been an issue (minus the 3 year old - go figure).

That night Lliam insisted on sleeping under his bed with his bag. We had a hilarious conversation as I tried to convince him to sleep in his bed. He expressed his concern that if an earthquake hit he wouldn't be able to get out of his bed fast enough. I explained that I'm sure he'd be fine. Naturally he didn't believe me.

feeling safe close to his bag (green)

"Don't you think that Heavenly Father would help you get under your bed especially since you've taking the effort to be prepared?"

"Yes"

"So you'll sleep in your bed tonight?"

"No"

"How long are you planning on sleeping here?"

"Until there's an earthquake"

We compromised - if there wasn't an earthquake that night he would return to his bed.

I'm happy to say he's back in his bed (or mine).

I love my children! Now I just need to one for my room.

Water Storage

2012-06-05T10:55:00.003-07:00

I had someone ask me about water storage and the recommendations, so I thought I'd share a little there. Besides this is my weakest area of emergency prep. I fill it and forget it! then it burst over the winter, making a mess of my shed.

Water is extremely important and as much as I recommend having water stored its also important to have a filter stored as well. Remember that not all water use is for drinking but you need to store water for washing, flushing, and cleaning as well. What you're planning on using it for will/can determine what you store it in.

This weekend I attended a class on water storage. Here is a great rating system for storage containers:
soda bottles - good
glass - best (not really earthquake proof though
water bottles (polycarbonate) - best (heat and freezing will still cause leaching)
bleach bottles - OK but NOT FOR DRINKING (some say otherwise but I know I'd have a hard time drinking from a bleach bottle and so will any kids who can read)
Mylar bag - see link - best http://www.eps-direct.com/emergency_drinking_water.html
foil packaged single serve water - I've tried this and its great! Even stays cold! A retailer in Vancouver told me she had a worker who ran over a case in a fork lift and they only had six break open. Awesome deal. and pretty light compared to water bottles.

Rule of thumb for containers: the harder the plastic the better for storage
If you look on the bottom of the containers at the recycling symbols these can also help you figure out what you can store in them. If it has the triangle with a 1 in it, its for SINGLE use only. If it has a 7 in a triangle that's a much better water container.

I recommend storing 1-2 containers of water for "other uses" to every bottle of drinking water. Be sure to label drinking water.

Lastly remember water needs to be stored in a dark, cool place. Avoid high and low temperatures. I wish I could find the graph, but google isn't cooperating with my search. But on this graph as the temperature goes up or down from room temp, the shelf life decreases. At the extremes your shelf life could be cut down to a few months. This has me thinking its time to move my water storage, from my shed to the house (I just need to find a place for it).

As far as rotation goes, temperature is key. Generally every 6 months is the rule of thumb for when you should rotate, or relabel from drinking water to general purpose water. Once again, I have so major rotating I need to do!

http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/safe_water/personal.html
Good information on storing water, the containers to use, and where to find emergency water sources

Coping Resources

2012-04-26T15:18:00.001-07:00

There is so much great information that will enable us as parents to help them and be better advocates for them in the case of a disaster. This is the area of preparedness that most parents know little or nothing about, yet we will be the first responders. With our children's futures and emotional well being at stake we can't afford to wait until help comes along. It is up to us to educate ourselves, our families, and our communities. Here are some great resources for learning more about how to help your children and yourself cope with the trauma of a disaster. Our goal is to be surviors not victims.

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf - FEMA Pamphlet

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/coping-with-disaster/coping-with-the-stress-of-natural-diasters

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/index.aspx/#natural - National Assoc. of School Psychologists website lots of links for coping

       Helping Children After a Natural Disaster: Information for Parents and Teachers
       Responding to Natural Disasters: Helping Children and families – Information for school crisis teams
       Coping with Crisis – Helping Children with special Needs

http://www.nctsnet.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters - National Child Traumatic Stress Network website - great information regarding how to help kids cope with traumatic situations - info divided into subcategories of floods, earthquakes, epidemics, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis

http://www2.aap.org/disasters/index.cfm - American Academy of Pediatrics website - info for parents to help children cope with natural disasters

http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope_child.shtm

http://www.toolkitsportdevelopment.org/html/resources/7B/7BB3B250-3EB8-44C6-AA8E-CC6592C53550/CopingWithDisaster.pdf
104 pg document covering everything, looks like it's for professionals. But a really great read for great information! This document has specific intervention techniques in the appendixes

http://www.trauma-pages.com/disaster.php
This site contains almost all of the disaster-related links and materials available. Here, you'll find mental health handouts as well as links to external disaster web sites, disaster mental health guides, and other informative materials useful in assisting disaster victims. Very impressive lists

        http://www.trauma-pages.com/h/dissteps.php -Steps you can take to cope successfully in stressful situations
        http://www.trauma-pages.com/h/famcope.php - Family coping strategies
        http://www.trauma-pages.com/h/arcvic.php - Emotional Health Issues for Victims

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families – facts for families search each sheet at the bottom of the site

o         Helping children after a disaster
o         Talking to children about terrorism and war
o         Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
o         The Depressed Child
o         Children and Grief

Coping - Special Needs (physical)

2012-04-26T15:07:00.002-07:00

Due to the nature of their disablities their fears and concerns are going to be different. It may aggrevate some of their symptoms and increase their risk of preoccupations and unhealthy coping. Knowing how to address their concerns and fears, along with proper planning can help tthem feel safe, secure, and confident in their ability to overcome what has happened.

Be aware of and accepting of their fears - namely that of being alone.

Physical disabilities: They’re biggest concerns will be safety and mobility, this is where your emergency plan really helps to prepare them, therefore review it often, drills will be of greater importance to them and those who will be helping them. When entering unfamiliar territory they will need a clear and simple explanation and if needed physical descriptions as well so they can feel safe.

Vision: They will miss facial cues and verbal images. Provide lots of details explanations to reinforce what they have heard. Ask questions about what they know, it needs to be a conversation. Mobility and safety will be of greater concern to them after and additional practice and orientation maybe necessary.

Hearing: They will not be able to keep up with the all the talking, provide frequent explanations. Understand that they will be frustrated by an inability to keep up with the communication happening around them, explain new terminology (this is why education is so valuable beforehand). Be concrete and simple, and check for understanding. Visuals maybe needed with explanations.

Total communication: Keep a signer close by. They need to know someone will be there to help them. Darkness and poor lighting are going to impact their ability to communicate, be sure to have a head lamp to keep hands free for communication. Assure them that they will be safe and inform them of each step and where they are or are going.

Coping - Special Needs

2012-04-26T15:01:00.001-07:00

A child with special needs can have difficulty coping with daily life, so it may seem impossible for them to cope with the trauma of a disaster. Don't lose hope - you gain experience everyday that will enable you to guide and help your child to cope and recover. Start now to gather the information and knowledge that you'll need to help them when they need it most.

Take note now of how they react to stress. Also note those things that usually help to relieve their stress.

Take note of triggers – words, images, sounds, etc – that signal danger or disrupt their feelings security and safety.

Take note of their cues – their personal warning signals in response to triggers. (Ticks, facial expressions, withdrawal, quietness, irritability, fear or avoidance)

Write all of these things done, include them in your information binder and with teachers and other care givers. Parents and teachers need to work together to compile this list and remedies as either could be the one there at the time of disaster. IEP meetings or reviews are a great time to go over this. What has worked in the past will have the best chance of working then. Not only can this information help you in any emergency but it can help on a daily basis.

for more information visit http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx

What to do

Provide assurance, support and attention IMMEDIATELY. Missing a cue can cause things to escalate quickly.

If they lose control remove the child to a safe location, help them to calm down, and then discuss fears or situation as best as possible.

Prepare them for any and all changes rather than reacting to them - explain upcoming changes, where your going, what they will expect. If its going to be loud allow them to put on head phones, bright sunglasses, etc.

Discuss events in a familiar setting with familiar people.

Provide choices to give them a sense of control.

It may be necessary to protect or isolate them to minimize distractions and sources of agitation.

Keep constant supervision.

Deal with inappropriate behavior quickly, calmly and consistently – helps to reinforce the constants and that they can depend on their support network.

Steps and explanations will need to be more concrete and consequences more immediate.

Now is the time to work on self-regulation skills and strategies. But still remember a disaster means these skills will still be demonstrated at less proficiency then previously demonstrated due to highly unusual and stressful situation.

For Specific disabilities

Autism: Be sure to have a way to communicate before and after a disaster. Changes in schedules and environment are going to cause great emotional and behavioral upset. Try to maintain as much of it as possible even in a new environment. Bring items from their usual environment to help them cope. Use social stories to help them understand what has and is happening, and allow them to create a storybook to help increase their understanding. They may repeat phrases that could further isolate them ("I'm going to die"). Do those things that you would do for other children of the same age or cognitive age as well as what helps them cope normally.

Cognitive limitations: It may be difficult to know what they understand due to their communication skills and they may react like a younger child despite higher levels of understanding. They will react to the disaster more on the observations and reaction of others. Discussions need to be specific, concrete and basic; you may need to use pictures to explain. This will apply to disasters that have occurred far away as well as those close to them. Offer reassurance.

Learning disabilities: It varies greatly based upon the disability and its degree. Typically they are very literal so explain everything carefully. Be watchful of misinterpretations and correct quickly. Accurate information is of great importance. Use of pictures may be needed to explain clearly. They also struggle with time and space concepts and may get confused about the order of events and the whereabouts – a map may be helpful. These kids may need further support now and after a disaster with self regulation and social skills. They will have more difficulties with tolerating others reactions, anger, and communication.

Behavior: They will be at an increased risk of severe trauma problems. Their symptoms will be exaggerated. Suicidal history will put them at higher risk and will require professionally help quickly. Current behavior problems will become more extreme. Maintain schedules and routines. Be as consistent and predictable as possible.

Coping - Pregnancy and Post Partum

2012-04-26T14:40:00.003-07:00

If your pregnant your preparing for 2 emergencies - delivary and a disaster. Each by themselves is a very stressful life altering event. Having them back to back could be overwhelming. Pregnancy and Post-pardum will put you at greater risk for severe trauma due to hormone issues, and the fact that you have a little person completely dependent upon you for survival. Since your risk is higher you and your spouse need to be extra vigilant in a disaster in how you cope with the disaster and how you take care of yourself.

There are ways to prepare yourself pyschologically to handle both with less stress and greater confidence. If this is your first pregnancy take infant parenting classes or read a few books, and seek a mentor. Having a baby is a daunting task for any first time parent lacking confidence in caring for a new born, which will only be magnified in a disaster. Prepare now for the changes that are to come to your lifestyle and duties. Offer to watch someone else's baby for a day, or help them so you can learn and get a feel for the schedule and demands. I doubt your offer will be refused.

Pregnant women will have an increased risk of depression. It is even more important for you to take care of yourself. Exercise, eating healthy, and rest are even more important. Be sure to have a support network close by, as post partum is a difficult time in and of itself. These normal symptoms will most likely be commanded by the trauma of the disaster. Familiarize yourself with normal postpartum symptoms – both emotional and physical. It is of greater importance to talk about how your feeling before and after the baby is born. Find out if there is a family history of post-partum depression, as that will put you at greater risk. Post-partum depression can happen anytime withing the first year, sometimes two. If there is a disaster within that time, your risk will increase.

Symptoms

       A sense of disappointment in the birth or yourself
       A sense of disappointment in the baby
       A feeling of anticlimax
       A feeling of unimportance
       Frustration with lack of control
       Overwhelmed and overworked
       Exhaustion
       Feelings of inadequacy
       Doubt ability to nurture your child (especially with breastfeeding difficulties)
       Mourning old self
       Self-esteem and self-image issues
       Anxiety and panic attacks
       Relationship adjustments

What to do
       Drop the guilt, you’re doing fine there are no experts
       SLEEP
       Accept help and ask for it
       Use feeding times as rest times
       Eat heathly - avoid sugar, caffeine
       Cry as much as you like - but if you can't stop getting some help
       Laugh as much as possible (although it may hurt the first few weeks)
       Relaxation techniques
       Do something for yourself - anything by yourself
       Do something as a couple - dating is very important
       Take care of yourself (hygiene and beauty)
       Get out of the house if possible (fresh air, sunshine, and vit D)
       Have a mentor mother or find other new moms
       Exercise - with doctor approval first
       Communicate - talk with friends and family, don't keep it in thinking you'll be judged on how your feeling. You be surprised by how many have felt the same way.
       Talk to your doctor/midwife
       Don’t be afraid to get help if needed
       Do what you can to help in relief efforts but be careful in what you do. Try focusing on giving comfort and emotional support to others rather than the usual clean up and heavy lifting

Coping - Women

2012-04-26T14:23:00.003-07:00

Its only natural that women will handle a disaster differently than men will, after all we rarely handle anything the same way. However our natural disposition and role puts us at greater risk for difficulty in dealing with trauma and the effects of a disaster. But these things can also be our greatest strengths in over coming the trauma and finding a full recovery.

Some things to consider:

Widowed women will have increased needs both emotional and temporally as their normal schedules, routines, and lifestyles change drastically.
Women usually have a better social support network than men. Keep friends and family close, they will help you emotionally and physically to recover.
Remember that trauma makes the basic jobs that you were able to accomplish easily before much more stressful and difficult. Accept that you can’t handle what you were able to before hand, and gradually move toward your old routine. Be gentle with yourself and take care of yourself as well as you do your family. Practice cutting yourself some slack. Being your own worst critic is a habit that will not help you in a disaster.
Be sure to have something that you find relaxing and enjoyable in your 72 hour kit. Be sure to take the time to relax. As mothers we often get wrapped up in caring for everyone else and forget that if we burn out than we are unable to care for anyone. Practice taking the time to relax now, so you actually know how then.
As women we are the nutures and leaders of our family, and may very well be left home to man the fort. There is also an increased likelyhood that we could be the lone caregiver if our husbands are unable to get home due to road disruptions. Add this eventualaty to your family emergency plan.

Grief Avoidance

2012-04-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

Avoidance of grief can be unhealthy and lead to more severe problems. Be careful of signs of abnormal bereavement and get help if present. This includes yourself.

Symptoms
Extended period of depression with lack of interest in daily activities and events
Inability to sleep, prolonged fear of being alone, loss of appetite
Acting younger for extended period of time
Excessively imitating the deceased
Repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person
Withdrawal from family and friends
Sharp decline in school performance or refusal to attend

Coping with Grief

2012-04-26T14:08:00.002-07:00

This cycle is fairly universal. Children may manifest them differently than an adult, look beyond the behavior to the underlying emotions.

Normal cycle of grief

disbelief and denial
numbness may occur and allow a slow realization and processing
realization brings distress and feelings of missing them
anger
anxiety about living without them
mourning
gradual heal

This cycle can last for long periods and may come and go. Remember this is normal. Trauma can make this process more difficult – due to own injury’s, survivor guilt, personal trauma, loss of social support and familiar community. Memories may trigger the disaster as well as the deceased.

How to help

Let them choose to attend the funeral. Don’t force them either way. Choices are important. This choice applies to whether to view the body as well. Use discretion as it can be graphic, however take into consideration that it can be very healing. Those who see the body despite injuries have rarely regret it.

Encourage them to memorialize the deceased in a special way- scrapbooks, prayers, stories, candle lighting, etc.

Let them express their grief in their own way. They may appear unaffected. Preschoolers will have difficulty understanding. Ages 5 and up will grieve more like an adult. They will express their grief in their play as well.

Despite your personal grief it is important to be there for them – your absence will make things worse. Remember you need each other.

Loved ones should spend as much time as possible with the child – allowing free expression.

Don’t force them to talk about their feelings. Let them know that you’re there, you love them and will listen when they are ready.

Be honest and only offer details they can understand (medical descriptions are too much).

Allow them to express their fears concerning death and validate them.

Listen and offer simple expressions of sorrow and grief.

Maintain schedules and routines.

Be patient – their grief will repeat itself, as will your own. Be more conscious of reminders like birthdays, anniversaries, death dates, etc. as symptoms of grief or trauma will be more likely to resurface. Be sure you’re more available at those times and maybe create a special tradition to help cope, and morn on those occasions.

Resources for help include the Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families and there are numerous other similar organization exist around the country they can be found online at www.dougy.org (503)775-5683 (in the Portland/Vancouver Area). There are numerous institutions nation wide modeled after this organization.

Loss of a Loved One

2012-04-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Children see death differently. Once again, now is the time to talk about death with your child. This is a personal subject that has many views and religious significance. By talking about your families beliefs on the subject you can help lay a foundation for better understanding when it occurs. Remember that it is still a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Preschoolers typically see death as temporary and elementary school children often understand the concept but may believe that it won’t happen to them or any one they know. Children don’t just grieve the person, but the changes to the environment and family or friends. Imagine a table, if you take away a leg the entire table is affected and unstable. This is how it is for children. It affects their entire world.

The Natural Reactions to the death of a loved one can be:

       A belief that they may come back to life again
       Immediate grief
       Denial, shock, and confusion
       Sadness
       Anger – sometimes directed toward surviving members
       Irritability
       Inability to sleep
       Nightmares
       Loss of appetite
       Physical complaints - headaches, stomache aches
       Loss of concentration
       Guilt – younger children may feel that they caused it and blame themselves
       Depression
       Regression
       Excessively boisterous play (can be a manifestation of anger)
       Withdrawal from friends
       Repeated imitation of the deceased, or a desire to join them
       Inventing games about dying

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/helping-children-cope-with-loss-resulting-from-war-or-terrorism

Relocation

2012-04-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Relocation forces people to deal with the consequences of the disaster constantly. Included with the loss of possessions is a loss of privacy, independence, and familiarity, and increased uncertainty. These transfer to children. Family roles and schedule are disrupted - 2 important signals of stability and safety for children.

There are several factors that impact a child's emotional well being when it comes to relocation.

1)      How parents and other family members react
2)      The duration
3)      Their natural coping style and emotional reactivity
4)      How well they can stay in touch with family, friends ,and familiar activities

There are things we can do to help them to adjust:

       Provide opportunities for them to see family and friends - if the move is to far for a visit, use Skyp, phone calls, and letters.
       Bring special personal items to where you are staying
       Daily routines – you may not be able to return to a fully functioning schedule but include what you can, especially those that include the entire family.
       Provide opportunities for them to share their feelings, concerns, and fears - be present and loving, don't just assume a counselor will do it for you.
       Be sensitive to the disruption and responsive to their increased needs
       Remember each child’s different and their responses will vary even within a family

Secondary Trauma

2012-04-26T13:49:00.001-07:00

The primary source of emotional trauma is, of course the disaster itself. But the sources of tramatization do not end when the disaster is over (in a literal sense) and when the victims have been rescued. After the disaster comes the “second disaster” – the effects of the disaster – dealing with the after math and recovery from the disaster.

The 2 biggest secondary traumas are relocation and death of a loved one. Moving and death have a huge impact on children in the best of circumstances. After a disaster it could be the straw that breaks teh camels back. These force a person to confront the effects of the disaster for extended periods of time - or simply forever. They commplicate the healing process by increasing the stress and risks for severe trauma. They aren't things that can be easily avoided. But there is much we can do to less their effects and help not just in dealing with these things but with the disaster as a whole.

Severe Trauma

2012-04-26T13:43:00.002-07:00

There are 3 main types of severe emotional trauma that can have a debilitating effect, especially on children, that we need to be watchful for and get immediate professional help for them. I've included a link to more information for each area.

PTSD
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families – facts for families search: PTSD
PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – is a set of symptoms that can result from experiencing, witnessing, or participating in an overwhelmingly traumatic event.
Symptoms
       Regular trauma symptoms
       Persistent fears (particularly separation from parents)
       Repeated episodes of re-experiencing the trauma in play or nightmares (which may or may not include the disaster)
       Anticipating the disaster will happen again
       Emotional numbness
       Sleep disturbances
       Jumpiness and startling
       Behavior problems at home or school
       Preoccupation with the disaster
       Avoid reminders of the disaster
       Increased arousal symptoms (inability to concentrate and startle reactions)
       May increase risk of suicide and depression
       Develop emotional or physical symptoms that remind them of the event
       Sudden and extreme emotional reactions
        Worry about dying young
       Repetitive play in which themes or aspects of the trauma may occur.
A minority of victims are at risk of developing PTSD, and it often surfaces months or years after the event.
Continue to emphasis feelings of safety and get help. Women usually have a higher rate of PTSD.

Generalized anxiety disorder
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/coping-with-disaster/helping-children-handle-disaster-related-anxiety
Persistent and excessive anxiety and worry (not just in relation to disaster and its consequences)- for children these concerns may be school competency, punctuality, overzealous approval seeking, perfectionist tendencies, conforming
Difficult to control worry- it interferes with functioning
Anxiety and worry associated with symptoms
Symptoms
·        Restlessness
·        Feeling on edge
·        Easily fatigued
·        Difficulty concentrating or mind goes blank
·        Irritability
·        Muscle tension
·        Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
·        Usually have depression symptoms as well
·        Can include physical symptoms
o       Cold clammy hands, dry mouth, nausea
o       Panic attacks (heart racing, difficulty breathing, intense fear and Panic)

Depression
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families – facts for families search: The Depressed Child
Symptoms
       Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
       Decreased interest in activities or inability to enjoy previous favorites
       Hopelessness
       Persistent boredom, low-energy
       Isolation, poor communication
       Low self esteem and guilt
       Extreme sensitivity to rejection and failure
       Increased irritability, anger, hostility
       Difficulty with relationships
       Frequent physical complaints
       Frequent school absences or poor performance
       Poor concentration and memory
       Major eating and sleep changes
       Self-destructive behavior or thoughts or expressions of suicide
       Talk or efforts to run away
       Often occurs with PTSD
Symptoms may vary between home and school. She may not always be sad.

For these three areas of severe trauma, continue to do what you were doing before. Those coping strategies are helping and will continue to help. I would also recommend healthy eating, exercise, and service. They have added important if these are a concern as they are natural remedies (not eliminators).

Vulnerability to Coping Difficulties

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There are factors that could make your child or you more vulnerable to psychological difficulties in coping.

· Exposure to actual event (threat to safety or thoughts they would die in a disaster)

· Personal injury or loss (loved ones and belongings)

· Level of parental support (maternal preoccupation with the trauma or separation from parent[s])

· Dislocation or relocation (home destroyed or temporary housing or shelters)

· Level of physical destruction (more physcial damage = more emotional damage)

· Pre-existing risks (depression, anxiety, previous trauma)

· Man-made disasters over natural (man-made will have a greater vulnerablitiy due to their diliberate nature)

· Mothers of young children up to 10 years - and I would include pregnancy in this.

Those with foster children or children who have been adopted are going to need to be extra vigilant and supportive. They will be at higher risk from repeated trauma, separation from family, and possible psychological issues due to unresolved previous trauma or circumstances. As beware of increased fear and distrust toward you due to previous dealings with own family. Lastly be careful for family members looking for them. Reassure them that their child is fine and looked after and safe, but that they will not be released until the proper authority declares it. Returning back to their families in this situation puts them at higher risk because previous family habits will be compounded with the high stress and trauma of the circumstances. If you know children that may not be in foster care but you are aware of some difficulties at home, be watchful as well, due to a likely increase in domestic violence at these times.

Family Coping Strategies

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After a disaster family dynamics will change. Death, disabilities, separations, marital conflicts, increased divorce rates, conflicts between parents and children, and dependency on outside help are all factors. How each member deals with the trauma will affect the other family members. There is a great deal that we can do to help each other cope with the trauma and to help prevent the increased conflicts and difficulties that can result from a disaster.

Take care of ourselves – we are the parents and we are the key to their recovery and survival.

Review emergency preparedness plans and kits, make adjustments and replace the items that were used (along with your food storage). Continue drills. Let the kids help in all planning and preparation.

Hugs and cuddles - Physical contact is important as it provides extra assurance of safety and security. Extra comfort and contact is necessary especially before bedtimes. That cuddle time is a tangible sign that they are safe and not alone.

Minimize exposure to media, if they are exposed be present to explain and discuss images and facts.

Use social support systems – friends, family, churches, community organizations, other resources

Continue to involve them with specific tasks in helping the family and community to recover. Allow them to help choose where and what they do.

Do something positive as a family – help others, volunteer, write letters, or visit others. Service is one of the best medicines (be sure you choose safe and age appropriate tasks)

Laugh and take time to do something together as a family – replace fear with good memories

Strengthen peer relationships and support- this is important for everyone in the family. Talking with friends and family will help everyone sort through emotions and problems that accompany disaster. Friends and family help to establish a feeling of safety and normalcy. Isolation only increases emotional distress and anxiety.

Return to school – the classroom should include discussions about the disaster an opportunities to express their feelings about it and gradually move back to regular schedule. Encourage your school to have teacher's trained before a disaster in coping techniques. They are usually the ones asked to help with coping after a disaster by disaster personal, if they have that training before hand, than they can focus on the students faster.

Maintain daily schedules and routines - they are reassured through structure and familiarity. Continue celebrating birthdays and holidays, gatherings, and sports have extra meaning during stressful times. Someone at a presentation mentioned adding an emergency birthday kit to your 72 hour kit or food storage. Have a cake mix and small gift. And if there's no birthdays... well everyone loves cake!

Use rituals - there was a family that released a balloon for every item lost in a house fire. You could create a family memorial, or decide a tradition to do on the date of the disaster.

Work with teachers, sitters, and day care providers. Parents need to be aware of classroom discussions and teachers need to be aware of children’s fears or concerns

Be tolerant of irritability and short tempers

Stay in touch with family and friends outside the area and within

Accept help in the spirit in which it is offered

Prayer is a great coping skill!

Let them be kids

Watch for physical symptoms of stress

Set priorities and problem solve as a family, take it one step at a time. Even an ordinary work load under this kind of stress can be unbearable. Create a checklist of to do’s and allow a sense of accomplishment for each one.

Priorities should be

1) basic needs: food, water, clothing, shelter

2) physical safety and security

3) safety and integrity of their family

4) long term needs (jobs, homes, community)

These will help restore emotional balance and health. Here there is no separation between emotional and physical needs meet one, meet both.

Relief of symptoms – (great distress) relaxation techniques, desensitization, restoring previous treatments for those with previous mental issues. Using or creating community rituals.

Talking it Out

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Talking about the disaster is the biggest and best form of intervention and lucky for us, something that we can do as parents. It may seem like an easy thing to discuss now, but after the event has past it may be very difficult to talk about it. So how do you talk about the elephant that demolished the room?

Start by asking them what they know or have heard. Then you will have an understanding of their level of comprehension and be able to correct any inaccurate information.

Clarify misunderstandings of risk and danger, and provide accurate information.

Make age appropriate explanations – be simple and direct. If you've educated them on the disaster previous to its occurance you can remind them of the activities, books or movies that were used. (For example: "Remember when Bill Nye did the experiment with the boiling syrup and the continents moved")

Be honest in your answers and information – don’t be afraid to say I don’t know. Work together to find the answers to their questions.

Be prepared to have multiple conversation or to repeat explanations- it’s a way of asking for reassurance, and testing for consistancy. (This applies to life with children in general).

Validate their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and reactions. Let them know that you think they are important. Let them know that how they feel is ok and normal, and that they are not the only ones with those fears and emotions. This goes beyond words to an increase in hugs, expressions of appreciation, and praise.

Maintain an open environment - be ready to talk at any time and answer all their questions (I don't know is still an answer).

Be consistent and reassuring

Don’t make unrealistic promises - you can't say it will never happen again because you have no control over that or that you won't let anything happen to them. But you can say you will always be there to help them, and for them to talk to and that you promise you are doing your best to take care of them and make things right again.

Remember they learn from your example, including responses and conversations with other adults – so its not just in your conversations with them that these things apply.

Express your feelings as well – don’t overwhelm them, but remember it’s a conversation questions and answers should go both ways. When you say I'm scared too, and worried you give them permission to accept their own emotions, but you set an example when they see you deal with those emotions effectively.

Extend multiple invitations to talk (whether taken or not) - remember it may take time for them to open up and there may be new concerns, misconceptions, or fears that will arise as the recovery process continues.

Listen! – listen for their underlying fears and concerns so that you can address and remedy them

Discuss preparedness plans – focus on what you can do now to be prepared rather than the could haves and should haves. Extend that conversation to what organizations and the community are doing now to keep everyone safe, now and in the future.

Don’t confront their way of dealing with things – if they don’t want to talk, fine. If your 5 year wants to play, that’s cool. You can’t force a therapy session.

Emphasize their resilience – Help them see what they’ve done in the past to overcome stress and scary situations and how they can use them now. Direct them to other communities that have suffered similar disasters and how they have or are overcoming them

Encourage them to express and talk about the disaster – let them express it how and when they like. They can use art, play, writing, journals, poetry, music – doesn’t matter as long as they have the opportunities to get it out. It is essential to health coping. If it’s a man made disaster (war included) they can write to other families affected, newspapers, or government officials.

The best thing you can do is to be present, calm and honest. Remain calm and reassuring – be honest about the situation, what it means for your family, and for them. But emphasize that you will clean up, rebuild, and eventually things will get back to normal and that those who love them are doing everything they can to protect them and keep them safe. Be honest about the consequences of the disaster and what they mean for your family.

Don’t minimize their concerns- just because you tell them not to worry about it doesn't mean it will go away. Use it as an oppurtunity to discuss their concerns, teach, and love them.

Discuss factual information before and after the disaster, be specific concerning your disaster.

Find out what their fears and concerns are – being alone? Picture falling on them? Etc address each one and work together to overcome them. Be careful not to try the throw you in the water till you learn to swim approach if it seems like a minor concern or fear. Be supportive and accepting in helping them either overcome or rememdy the fear. Example: they're scared something will fall on them - have them help you bolt pictures and furniture to the wall.

Responses differ and may not always be compatible within a family unit. Be aware and supportive and patient, if needed seek friends outside to discuss events with while waiting for children or spouse to process and open up.

Avoid ruminating on the event and feelings by providing activities and diversions. Focus on the decisions and actions that can strengthen them and the family. The brain can only handle so much, give it a time to rest and process (like a recess at school).

Symptoms - Parents

2012-04-26T12:58:00.004-07:00

Since we are the parents and are really the key to how they react and cope with the disaster we need to be familiar with our own symptoms and take care of ourselves.

Symptoms
       Irritability and anger
       Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about the event
       Sadness and depression
       Feeling powerless, frustration
       Changes in eating patterns, loss of appetite or overeating
       Crying for no apparent reason
       Headaches, back aches, and stomach problems
       Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
       Anxiety over the future
       Disappointment and rejection of outside help
       Feelings of being overwhelmed
       Increased effects of colds, allergies, flu
       Isolating oneself
       Guilt that you couldn’t prevent it
       Domestic violence
       Increased drugs and alcohol
What to do
       First thing to remember is to take care of yourself!
       Exercise - work is great for that, the endophins will help with the symptoms
       Healthy eating - it will help you feel better emotionally and physically.
       Getting enough rest (which is a challenge with children) take shifts or sleep together
       Taking time for your self -do something you enjoy or just for you. Don't just pound away at the to do list take time to relax and escape. This helps keep you from constantly being surrounded by the disaster and its effects.
       Avoid drugs or alcohol - it decreases the risk of domestic violence and helps decreaes stress levels.
       Decrease/quit smoking (best really to do this before the disaster)
       Recognize your own feelings – your not going mad or having a breakdown, you survived a disaster and these are normal.
       Take time to talk with an adult about your feelings (if your spouse isn’t readyto talk, respect that and don’t be offended. Everyone has their own time table for dealing with things)

Symptoms by Age Group

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Symptoms are expressed differently by age groups. It does not mean they are limited to that age group, but these are a basic guideline. Mainly remember that you know your child better than anyone else, if you feel that they aren't acting quite right trust your gut. Infants
symptoms
       Increase screaming and crying
       Increased need for cuddling and being held
What you can do
       Simply meet their needs
       Use the snuggly
       Use a pacifier
       Remember to take breaks – just like colic
       Take care of your emotional needs – they can sense your stress, fear, and anxiety and react in kind

Preschoolers
symptoms
       Clinginess
       Sleep disturbances
       Agitated or confused
       Loss of appetite
       Excessive fear of the dark
       Stomach cramps and headaches
       Fighting
       Regression – accept initially, comfort without demands and gradually resume normal expectations. Don’t shame, criticize, or punish them. Reward good behaviors.
            ·        Thumb sucking
            ·        Bed-wetting
       Withdrawal from friends
What you can do
       Increase comfort and contact
       They’re not being bad – they’re afraid
       Frequent reassurance
       Allow them to grieve loss valuables (use of rituals which well discuss shortly)

Elementary age
symptoms
       Irritability
       Aggressiveness
       Clinginess
       Nightmares
       School avoidance
       Poor concentration
       Withdrawal from friends
       Fantasies that the disaster never happened
       May become preoccupied with the disaster
       Stomach aches and headaches
They will ask more questions
They’re fears will increase at night time (same with younger ages)
What to do
       Limit media exposure to the event
       Allow open expression- encourage them to re-tell the story emphasizing the ending on personal safety
       Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know
       Allow them to grieve loss valuables

Adolescents (as if they weren’t already complicated)

symptoms
       Sleeping and eating disturbances
       Agitation
       Increase in conflicts
       Physical complaints
       Delinquent behavior
       Poor concentration
       Increase in risk taking behavior
       Fear of leaving home and withdrawal socially
       May try to down play their worries
What you can do
       Increase supervision for those with existing problems
       Allow them to have time with their friends
       Encourage discussion
       Give them some time

Symptoms of Trauma

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Symptoms will change over the course of time and as events occur. Symptoms will vary based on age groups as well. They may not exhibit all symptoms or any symptoms. The symptoms of trauma are cyclical, they may come and go based on dates, events, stimuli, or for no reason at all. This is normal. We will discuss abnormal trauma symptoms but for the most part be aware that normal symptoms may surface frequently over the years due to the fact that the effects of the disaster can or will remain for years. Just continue to be present and available especially on anniversaries of the disaster, or when there are other triggers (similar disasters in other areas, or birthday’s of loved ones lost, or simply missing a favorite toy). While most victims of disasters are usually relatively free of distress by a year or two after the event, a quarter or more of the victims may still show significant symptoms while others, who had previously been free of symptoms, may first show symptoms a year of two after the disaster.

One of the biggest obstacles for parents in helping their children cope is that we often misinterpret their reactions as willful misconduct or it may remind parents of their own feelings of trauma. For some it may just be the need to keep things just right to feel like they have life under control. It is important that we see these symptoms for what they are. You can support and not encourage behaviors at the same time. Remember they are scared, not bad. Don’t deny them; they need to feel validated, and nurtured. Not recognizing these symptoms or misattributing them can have consequences on development as they feel insecure and inhibit expression or drive parents away. For the time being support, and love them, make things as stable as possible and protect them.

Inital Reactions to a Disaster

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Initial reactions and symptoms include

       Agitated or confused
       Intense fear
       Helplessness
       Anger
       Sadness
       Horror
       Denial
       Dissociation (emotional numbing or blocking of pain or trauma, usual with repeated trauma)

What you can do immediately after a disaster

1) Stay together as a family – your leaving will only heighten their anxiety. If one parent must leave, explain why, where you will be, when they’ll be back and have a special ritual or possession to take their place. Then upon their return increase comfort and interaction.

2) Calmly and firmly explain the situation each step of the way – get down on their eye level and use age appropriate explanations.

3) Encourage everyone to talk, have a family discussions. Silence makes the event seem more dangerous or horrible.

4) Include them in recovery activities – chores or preparedness- it conveys to them that everything will be alright and they are not helpless bystanders. They are doing something.

5) Remember it is normal to have difficulty managing your emotions, but its important to deal with the stress before it becomes harmful. So take care of yourself!

6) DO NOT SEND THEM AWAY even for their own safety! It is more traumatizing than the actual disaster to separate them from their families. If it is absolutely necessary have them go to a trusted family member or friend. Keep its duration as short as possible.

Coping with Disaster

2012-04-26T12:36:00.003-07:00

The numerous things covered beforehand are about the best you can do to prepare psychologically for a disaster. But what about after. Disasters are very traumatic; take hope children are extremely resilient. However there are some important factors to consider
1) Children do and will react differently than adults.
2) Children are still developing psychologically so that are in greater need of that support
Recovering emotionally/psychologically from a disaster may take longer than the clean up and physical recovery. However in all things early intervention is key.

Children interpret the world differently than adults, and this applies to disasters in particular

       They’re biggest concerns are typically that it will happen again, someone close to them will be killed or injured, or they will be separated from family or left alone.
       The disaster is viewed as a personal threat to them and their loved ones
       Their fears stem from their imaginations
       They are concrete thinkers – so there is a need for direct answers
       They are physical in their grief and stress
       The effects of a disaster will be magnified as they are still developing and will need to construct their identity around what ever damage was done. Be vigilant and quick to address their psychological needs.

What you will be doing to help them cope for the most part will be addressing those concerns and viewpoints.

Remember that all children are affected, right down to infants. Research suggests that children experience the effects doubly – directly from the event and indirectly from the effects on their parents and other trusted adults.

How you react will decide how they will react. If you can’t cope, neither will they. IT IS EXTERMLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE PSYCHOLOGICALLY PREPARED AND THAT YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!! There is also secondary traumatization - we may be unaffected while the disaster is close by, and have affected loved ones and go through similar emotional trauma symptoms.