wfn.org | Help for adults coping with the effects of violence

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6847 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

17-September-2001
01329

Help for adults coping with the effects of violence

by Kristine Holmes

Editor's note: The Presbyterian News Service has received numerous "how to"
suggestions for coping with the Sept. 11 crisis in America. This one,
written by Kristine Holmes, a parish nurse for the First Presbyterian Church
of Howard County in Columbia, Md., is the best we've seen. - Jerry L. Van
Marter

When our country is the victim of a terrorist attack such as happened on
Tuesday, we are all going to be moved by this tragedy and a natural reaction
is to watch, over and over ... the planes coming in, buildings being hit and
then falling.

Post Traumatic Stress Reduction experts tell us that this is the exact
opposite of what we should do.  When we watch something like this
repetitively it imprints it into our consciousness and fixes our
traumatization.

We should especially not allow children to watch and do this.  Terrorism
makes us all feel vulnerable but for children who lack an adult sense of
perspective seeing such scenes repeatedly can be especially disturbing.

Some signs of stress reactions:

*  Anger - anger at the perpetrators of such an act is a healthy response
but a common reaction to horrible situations over which we have no control
is to get angry at life in general.  This can be expressed as irritation
with co-workers and family members. And remember that family members may be
having the same response.

*  Feeling depressed - a sense of loss and grief that is overwhelming. It
can make even simple tasks seem difficult.

*  Mild confusion - difficulty concentrating and attending to detail leads
to difficulty in hearing information correctly.

*  Increased flight/fight-response - heightened vigilance can lead to
well-intentioned restrictions being over-imposed on loved ones--to keep them
safe.

*  Sleep difficulties - both difficulty falling asleep and easily disturbed
sleep.
 
Suggestions for Managing the Stress:

*  Cut down on stimulation - turn off the TV and turn the radio off or down.
 Have the kids engage in a quiet activity or play outside.

*  Balance vigorous exercise with rest - get enough sleep, try a glass of
warm milk and gentle stretching exercises before sleep.

*  Eat well-balanced meals - avoid excess caffeine and alcohol. 

*  Talk about how you are feeling - share with friends and family and listen
to how they are doing too.

*  Pray and go to church - a community of friends and faith beliefs are very
important during difficult times.

*  Take care of yourself - don't try to do too much. If you don't care for
yourself, you will not be able to care for others.

* Talk to your pastor or a counselor - if the symptoms are overwhelming.

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