To live well means we have to build on some skills for coping with distress, distressful events and traumas. Let it be personal or public events, distress can touch us by many means. For some time, I felt bogged down by the mournful event in Connecticut. And today, another 8 year old lost her life at the Boston marathon event.
Like people in our community,I try to move beyond it but the effect of these sorrowful incidents keeps popping up in our our thoughts. They do somehow set the one to my feelings, whether I like it or not. I find that it is a good time to discuss about coping strategies that we can practically apply in times like this.The effects of a disaster, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency can be long-lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. This page provides general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience that were developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters.
The shooting rampage in Newton, Connecticut and other incidents of public scare can lead to emotional distress such as overwhelming anxiety, anger and fear. Those who have struggled to recover from past traumatic events may also be at risk of negative emotional triggers. It is hard to be positive. With trying it can be possible. Yet it is challenging.
After a traumatic event, strong emotions may come and go. It’s important to know when to ask for help. If you or someone you know is showing the following experiences, please ask for help:
Although this hotline is aiming at suicide related issues, it is well advice to call even if you or someone you care just have other strong emotions or emotional distress.
It is nice to get some support just when you need it. It is like a good rain in time of a drought. At the least, be willing to open up to others around you. Talking things out is a part of self expression. Don't let the next drop of bad emotions be a drop too much. Effective self expression is essential to survival. It is a tool for emotional balancing and stress relief. It helps us get the facts straight and transcribe our emotions.
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling unusually confused or little forgetful; on edge, angry, or upset; or worried and scared
- Pulling away from people and things
- Yelling or fighting with family and
- Having low or no energy friends
- Having thoughts and memories you
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Can’t get out of your head
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Unable to perform daily tasks like
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs
- Feeling overwhelmed while taking care of your kids or performing at work or school
Although this hotline is aiming at suicide related issues, it is well advice to call even if you or someone you care just have other strong emotions or emotional distress.
It is nice to get some support just when you need it. It is like a good rain in time of a drought. At the least, be willing to open up to others around you. Talking things out is a part of self expression. Don't let the next drop of bad emotions be a drop too much. Effective self expression is essential to survival. It is a tool for emotional balancing and stress relief. It helps us get the facts straight and transcribe our emotions.
Tips for helping children deal with disasters and major distress
- Putting the disaster in context. For example let kids know how likely it is that a disaster like the one. covered in the media could happen where the students live.
- Connecting the disaster to lesson plans. Access disaster training from Red Cross here.
- Informing kids about the nature of the media and news coverage.
- Discuss how the news typically shows the scariest parts of any situation.
- Remind children that there are plenty of good things going for them and around the world.
- Assuring kids that they are safe. Offer encouragement and support. Point out the good things.
- Listen to their feelings, thoughts and point of views.
"Share, pass on your wisdom."
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*HELP with emotional crisis Call 1-800-273-8255
*Medical Help Call 911 or visit a hospital emergency room
*American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org
1 comment:
Nowsaday, I share bad news like it is someone else's. Not that I don't care, but because I don't want any more pain.
I tell myself to move on. There are almost 314 million people in the U.S., it's hard to avoid one bad thing or another happen on a daily basis. So live on people. Keep doing what you're doing. Things are going normal despite what's out there.
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