Hurricanes can cause anxiety in children long after they are over.
The remnants of Hurricane Irene may be gone, but the anxiety could be lingering in the minds of children. The recent earthquake that rattled windows and nerves is now behind us, but for children it could be a stark reality that danger is lurking. Aftershocks are still being felt, and all of the events are being talked about everywhere.
Many psychologists and medical professionals warn that children often suffer from a low level of anxiety after any type of major event. Hurricanes and earthquakes are definitely major events – especially in the Richmond, Virginia region.
Media Coverage
Children are bombarded with media that offers verbal descriptions and visual cues of the event on an ongoing basis. The loss of power for so many homes in our area was a major event for most everyone and children are adversely affected when they feel that something “bad” is happening. Not having lights alone can be traumatic to a child so when the power is out, their world is turned inside out. Fears may lurk in every corner. Even if families left darkened homes for hotels or to stay with relatives or friends with electricity, the child worries about their own home.
The combination of television coverage, adult discussions being overheard, and the general sense of alarm accompanying natural disasters and events is enough to cause anxiety for kids. Although you may think your child has adjusted to the situation and moved past it, it is possible that he or she may experience post-traumatic issues later so be on the look-out for cues.
Aftershocks continue after the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia.
Watch for children who have difficulty concentrating, are unable to sleep, have separation anxiety, begin ‘acting out’, or who are simply not themselves.
Responses to Anxiety
Children who have trouble sleeping, begin to ‘act out’, or who appear to have separation anxiety may be reacting to the recent events. According to Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP who is a licensed psychologist, there are some tips for parents dealing with post-traumatic situations that may help their children cope better:
- Demonstrate a loving, safe response during and after the event.
- Watch the television or other media together so you can explain what is happening in a child’s terms. Encourage the child to express any fears by encouraging him or her to ask questions.
- Watch for facts and information and then turn the television or other media off so it is a source of information, and not an ongoing reminder of the situation which can cause anxiety to escalate.
- Take advantage of this time to create a plan for future situations such as an escape plan in the event of another earthquake or hurricane. Talk about how preparation for an event and how it makes it easier to handle the situation. Create a list of things together that will help in future situations – include things like extra water, sleeping bags, flashlights, batteries, and other simple things. Children will feel more in control if they take part in being prepared and have a role.
- Engage the child in conversation during normal activities or playtime so they do not focus on the event, but have an opportunity to talk about it when they are relaxed. Some children will talk more freely than others so follow their lead.
- Some children, especially older ones, benefit from understanding about disasters. The more they know about an earthquake, the more in control they feel if something happens. If they know the possibility of aftershocks is a reality, that will help if and when they occur. Consider your child’s ability to grasp the information and decide if this is beneficial for him or her.
- Manage your own stress, anxiety and discomfort in front of children. If children see parents panicked, they usually panic too. If they see you anxious about the loss of electricity, they are anxious. Your frustration becomes their frustration.
- Find family-friendly activities to do together and help children focus on other areas of life during difficult situations. You don’t have to ignore what is happening, but you can demonstrate to them that life does go on and things will eventually return to normal.
- Do not totally avoid the media coverage of an event or children may be anxious that it’s really worse than it is. They may become more curious and thereby, more anxious. Model the proper use and regulation of the media to show children how to gather important information without obsessing over the events.
- Be there for your child. Nothing is more important than listening to your child and responding in a positive way. Don’t belittle their fears and anxiety or brush them aside. Work with the child to help him or her understand and remain in control as much as possible.
If your child is experiencing any signs of anxiety that don’t dissipate in a reasonable time, talk with your pediatrician or school counselor. Teachers are currently receiving counseling and training in many schools on how to deal with children who suffer from anxiety as a result of the recent environmental events.
And the Study Results Say?
Don’t assume your child is the only one who is anxious and brush it aside — it is a proven fact that children can harbor anxiety long after an event subsides.
Betty Pfefferbaum, M.D., J.D. and colleagues at the University of Oklahoma (after the OK bombings) found that child exposure to disaster media cues were associated with child post-traumatic stress syndrome symptoms. Pfefferbaum has this to say about children and disasters: “It’s important to include children and adolescents in family preparedness so that they have a role in an event. People who assume roles have less anxiety.”
She goes on to say, ” Parents can reduce their children’s anxiety about tornadoes [hurricanes and earthquakes] and other disasters by assigning them age-appropriate roles to play in the event such calamities occur.”
As children prepare for back-to-school, watch for any potential cues that they are still anxious about recent events and then take appropriate steps to support them. If you are in doubt, talk with the school counselor, teacher, or your pediatrician.
Always regulate and manage your reaction to major events and model behavior that is supportive of children.
