Trauma : Important Factors in Response to a Trauma

Children and families are having a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.

Grief reactions peak within days of the event and then wane over weeks and months

Calmly providing emotional support to children and families is significant to reducing fear. Use words a child can understand when discussing traumatic events

All fears need to be treated as genuine and, talking should be encouraged

Maintain a structured and predictable schedule as best as is possible. Children benefit from order when their routines have been disrupted

Feelings of sadness and anxiety are common for all age groups after a trauma

Depression (persistent symptoms) is not the same as sadness, which is usual after a trauma. Consider seeking counseling should depression persist

Guilt feelings may arise and attempts to assign blame to oneself are counterproductive

Rebuilding lives, families, and communities is what is important

Explain that all is being done that can be done to return to normal life