Moving Forward After a Disaster (English)

CHILDREN AND DISASTER RECOVERY

Most children can and do successfully recover from disaster, especially when they are in healthy, supportive environments. Here are some tips that can help children cope with disasters:

Keep familiar routines to the extent possible.
Take care of yourself: children do better when their caretakers are not stressed.
Talk about the event with your child and as a family in an age appropriate manner.
Engage children in play activities such as drawings and story telling
Provide older children with constant updates of what is going on in regards to their ability to return to school and other activities that have been temporarily suspended.
Notice changes in sleep, appetite, mood, and overall disposition.
Do not expose children to news and/or images of the disaster.
Provide opportunities for children to see friends and supportive adults.
Encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings through words, play, writing, drawing, and other mediums as appropriate.
Listen carefully and observe your child’s behavior.
If you notice a significant change in your child’s behavior after 4 weeks, consider seeing a professional counsellor.

Children who are at most risk for negative reactions and delayed recovery in the disaster aftermath are those who have experienced: highly stressful evacuations that involved direct life threat; significant material or interpersonal loss; separation from parents; and intense parental stress reactions. These children should be most carefully monitored and families are encouraged to seek professional help as necessary.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

New York:
NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638)
Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPOA): 1-888-CSPOA-58 (1-888-277-6258)

The Children’s Aid Society, Mental Health
212-949-4800

New Jersey:
NJ State Dept. of Children & Families
877-652-7624

COPING AFTER A DISASTER

In times of extreme traumatic events, it is very difficult to find a sense of normalcy in the chaos that surrounds you and your family. It is normal to have a strong emotional response.

Normal emotional responses to traumatic events:

Shock and disbelief – you may have a hard time accepting the reality of what has happened
Fear – that the same thing will happen again, or that you’ll lose control or break down
Sadness – particularly if people you know died
Helplessness – the sudden, unpredictable nature of natural disasters and accidents may leave you feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Guilt – that you survived when others died, or that you could have done more to help or prevent the situation.
Anger – you may be angry at those you feel are responsible or at the lack of a consolidated disaster response
Shame – especially over feelings or fears you can’t control
Relief – you may feel relieved that the worst is over, and even hopeful that your life will return to normal

Help Guide: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/disaster_recovery_trauma_stress_coping.htm

The following links are some helpful survival tips that can help guide you through the process of recovery:

HELPLINES AND HOTLINES

If you are experiencing signs of distress as a result of the disaster, the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 help, year-round crisis counseling and support. Please call 1-800-985-5990 , TTY for deaf/hearing impaired: 1-800-846-8517. Text/talk with us to 66746.
American Red Cross – Get Assistance
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Is fully staffed to receive all calls. Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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