Media > Press Releases

LA AREA PSYCHOLOGISTS PROVIDE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP COPE WITH NATIONAL DISASTER

(Los Angeles, CA, September, 12, 2001) - Shock, anxiety, anger and depression are some of the typical responses to traumatic events, like Tuesday's national disaster. The Los Angeles County Psychological Association is assuring the public that these are normal responses to abnormal events and offers suggestions for coping with this trauma.

The intense anxiety and fear that often follow a disaster or other traumatic event can be especially troubling for children, says Dr. Jana Martin, a Long Beach-based psychologist, who counsels youth and families. Some may regress and demonstrate younger behaviors such as thumb sucking or bed-wetting. Children may be more prone to nightmares and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may suffer. Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums more frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary.

"In most instances, these are normal reactions to abnormal situations," says Dr. Martin. "It is only when individuals feel that they cannot regain control of their lives that they may need to seek outside help."

Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can help both adults and children cope effectively with their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help them along the path to recovery. For this reason, local psychologists are volunteering at area schools to help young people understand what the normal responses are to stressful situations, as well as what they can do to help during this time of crisis so they feel empowered and safe.

"Spend more time with children playing a game, going for a walk, doing a family activity. Children need to know that you are available and that they are loved. Remember too that physical affection is very comforting to children who have experienced trauma," says Berta Davis, Ph.D., a psychologist who practices in Encino.

Other tips for helping children cope with trauma are:

• Provide play experiences to help relieve tension. Younger children in particular may find it easier to share their ideas and feelings about the event through non-verbal activities such as drawing.
• Encourage older children to speak with you, and with one another, about their thoughts and feelings. This helps reduce their confusion and anxiety related to the trauma. Respond to questions in terms they can comprehend. Reassure them repeatedly that you care about them and that you understand their fears and concerns.
• Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going to bed to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.

This information and additional tips are provided on the American Psychological Association's Web site in an online brochure titled, "Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering from Disasters and Other Traumatic Events," available at http://helping.apa.org/therapy/traumaticstress.html.

Following are some additional coping strategies to help adults through the crisis:

• Familiarize yourself with the feelings that you may experience. Understand that your feelings are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.
• Accept the fact that things may be disorganized or chaotic for some time - you may feel overwhelmed - take one task at a time, one day at a time. Be kind to yourself.
• Reach out to friends and family for support. It's OK to ask for help. Don't isolate yourself. Structure your time and schedule breaks. Dealing with the aftermath of disaster can be overwhelming. Take some time for yourself; don't get "burned out."
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you get adequate food and rest. Your good health will help you cope and get through this difficult time.
• Don't blame yourself. What has happened is not your fault.
• Combat negative thoughts. Tell yourself that things will get better. Be realistic about the time it takes to feel better. Give yourself time to heal.

For more information about coping with a crisis, to find a psychologist in the greater Los Angeles community, or to schedule a forum with a psychologist for children at your school, please contact the Los Angeles County Psychological Association at 818-905-0410 or visit LACPA's Community Information page.

In addition for further information, contact the American Psychological Association for a free "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" brochure or a referral to a psychologist in your community at 1-800-964-2000 or visit helping.apa.org.