Warning Signs of Stress
- Short tempers, frequent arguments
- Greater consumption of alcohol
- Getting upset over minor irritations
- Difficulty sleeping, bad dreams
- Aches, pains, stomach problems
- Apathy, loss of concentration
- Depression
It’s important to be aware of your children’s reactions. They might start thumb-sucking or bed-wetting, become clingy or fearful. Children might withdraw and try to be brave, when they really need your reassurance. To get yourself and your family back on track, talk about what’s happened.
Here are some suggestions
- Encourage children to express themselves. They may want to do this by drawing or playing instead of talking.
- Take their fears seriously, reassure them and give them additional attention. Admit to them that you also felt afraid and may still be experiencing some feelings of fear or anxiety, but, that with time and possibly some outside help you will work it out together.
- Tell children what you know about the situation. Be honest but, gentle. Talk to them about the disaster.
- Keep children with you whenever it is possible to do so, even if it seems easier to look for housing or help on your own. At a time like this, it’s important for the whole family to stay together.
- Expect regressive behavior and be tolerant of it.
- Give them a real task to do, something that gets the family back on its feet, and let them help in planning something to remember the loss.
- Watch for health problems and signs of stress, such as nightmares and depression, in you or your family. Seek help if you need it. Many organizations in your community can provide counseling and other support.
- Continue with regular routines (teeth brushing, bed time stories) and chores (picking out their own clothes to wear, etc.)
- Avoid or minimize watching news reports of frightening events.
Recognize that when you suffer a loss, you may grieve – over the loss of personal treasures, your home, your security, a pet. You may feel angry. You may not sleep or eat well. These are normal grief reactions. Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal.