Wendel Abel
THE SIGHT of bodies lying on the streets; being caught in a
gunfire; a motor vehicle accident; house burning down; robbery; physical attack;
physical, emotional and sexual abuse; the effects of Hurricane Ivan; death of a loved one or a pet; graphic media reports of horrible events are
examples of the trauma children experience, witness or are told about on a daily basis. These traumas experienced by children and the high levels of crime in Jamaica, demand that parents, teachers and mental health
professionals assist our children to cope and recover.
THE EFFECT OF TRAUMA
Children exposed to traumatic events may show a wide range of reaction and, although most of them will recover and bounce back, some will suffer serious long-term problems. The more direct the exposure, the greater the risk of emotional harm to the child.
Younger children may show
fear of being separated from their parents. Screaming, trembling, excessive clinging or crying spells are common responses. Many
children display regressive
behaviour such as bed-wetting, thumb sucking and fear of
darkness.
Older children may display hyperactive and disruptive behaviour which may result
in them be labelled as 'bad
children'. Nightmares and
sleep problems may also
occur. Refusal to attend school,
frequent outbursts of anger
and fighting are commonly
seen. Some children become
withdrawn and others may
complain of bodily symptoms, such as stomach pain and headache. Many children display deterioration in their school work.
Children may also experience flashbacks and emotional
numbing. The avoidance of any person, place or thing that remind them of the trauma is commonly seen. Depression may occur and this may be associated with substance use.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH OUR CHILDREN
1 Intervene early and seek professional help. Do not be ashamed to seek assistance from the mental health system. This helps to reduce the emotional impact.
2 Do not re-traumatise the child. We do this often by exposing children to the trauma and by beating them when they display common emotional signs. Children are often ridiculed and blamed for causing traumatic events.
3 Create a safe and secure environment for the child. Children will relive the trauma if exposed to persons, places and things that remind them of the trauma.
4 Encourage the child to express his or her feelings and fears. Do not pressure the child to talk too much about the trauma especially in the early stage, or repeatedly mention the event. This may
re-traumatise the child.
5 Validate children's feelings; let them know that it is fine to feel angry. Allow children to cry and express their emotions. Do not expect them to be tough and rough it out.
6 Be understanding if children wet their beds, suck their thumbs or express fears of the dark after a trauma. Do not be judgmental in your response or harsh in discipline.
7 Schools may facilitate sessions with students to deal with trauma. Sessions may be conducted for parents to help them cope and deal with their children and their personal pain.
8 Encourage children to re-establish routine and play. Art and play therapy may be helpful for children.
9 A word of advice for parents and teachers. Take care of yourself and your emotional needs, so that you can better take care of the needs of the children.
Comfort, love and reassure children who have experienced trauma. Most children will bounce back. Take care of yourself in the process. Time will heal the wounds.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
