PDN Article: Oct 11, 2013
We live in a time where
our children and adolescents are exposed to various forms of traumatic life
events. A traumatic event is one that threatens injury, death or the physical
integrity of self or others, and also causes horror, terror or helplessness at
the time it occurs.
Traumatic events include
sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, community and school violence,
medical trauma, motor vehicle accidents, acts of terrorism, natural and
human-made disasters, war experiences, suicide and other traumatic losses.
There are two types of
trauma -- physical and mental. Physical trauma includes the body's response to
serious injury and threat. Mental trauma includes frightening thoughts and
painful feelings. These are the mind's response to serious injury. Mental
trauma can produce strong feelings. It can also produce extreme behavior, such
as symptoms of intense fear or helplessness.
We all remember well
several major acts of violence in our nation, such as the Oklahoma City bombing
in the '90s, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack, the Columbine High School
shooting in Colorado and, most recently, the Sandy Hook, Conn., shooting. These
acts claimed many lives and they also threaten our sense of security.
Here at home, we have our
own share of violence such as the recent tragic killings in Tumon. The
incidences of home invasions, break-ins, burglary assaults and other acts of
violence are reminders that we live in a precarious time, and we must be
vigilant and caring of each other.
Beyond these events, children
and adolescents face many other traumas. They are injured and abused
intentionally by others, such as by bullies and sexual perpetrators. They also
experience unintentional injuries, such as falls, accidents, dog bites,
near-drownings, etc. They also see loved ones harmed by violence or they
witness other tragic events.
Children and adolescents
are very sensitive, they may hurt deeply, and they struggle to make sense of
the trauma. They vary in the nature of their responses to traumatic
experiences. Their reaction may be influenced by their developmental level,
ethnic and cultural factors, previous trauma exposure, the resources and
support available to them, as well as existing child and family problems.
Nearly all children and
adolescents express some kind of distress or behavioral change in the acute
phase of recovery from a traumatic event. These symptoms may include:
separation anxiety, especially in young children; sleep disturbance,
nightmares, sadness, the development of new fears, loss of interest in normal
activities, reduced concentration, decline in schoolwork, anger, irritability
and somatic complaints.
The young person's
functioning in the family, peer group or school may be impaired as a result of
such symptoms and it becomes very important that caretakers and professionals
working with young people make a careful assessment of possible exposure to
trauma.
Most young people
manifest resilience in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. This is
especially true of single-incident exposure. However, those who have been
exposed to multiple traumas, have a past history of anxiety problems, or have
experienced family adversity are likely to be at higher risk of showing
symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Parents and caring adults
can help children and adolescents by assuring them that they are loved, that
the event was not their fault, that it is okay for them to feel upset. Allow
them to cry, be sad and talk about their feelings, write or draw pictures of
their feelings. Do not expect them to be brave or tough. Don't force them to
discuss the event before they are ready. Don't get upset if they show strong
emotions or show regressive behaviors such as bed-wetting or acting out. Spend
more positive time together, such as eating meals or playing games together.
Try to keep normal routines or make new ones together. Lastly, help children
feel in control and let them make some decisions for themselves when possible.
Annie F.B. Unpingco,
LCSW, is administrator of I Famagu'on-ta at the Guam Behavioral Health and
Wellness Center.
