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Greetings!
 September
11, 2005 marks the fourth anniversary of the attacks on the
World Trade Center. Two weeks ago the Gulf Coast was
ravished by Hurricane Katrina. This edition of
Discovering Growth is dedicated to all the victims of
Hurricane Katrina, the relief work that continues, and all
the families affected by 9/11. Maya Angelou reminds us,
“I’ve learned that everyday you should reach out and touch
someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on
the back.”
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The Strength of the Human Spirit |
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The flood waters are receding, yet
haunting, horrific images of the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina continue to saturate the media.
Stories abound of the strength and courage of the
human spirit. Homeless, displaced evacuees are
forced to leave their homes while along the entire
Gulf Coast lives have been forever changed.
We have all been affected. A
recent headline of The Dallas Morning News
reads “Trickle-Down Effect Unknown.” How do we make
sense of the tragedy that literally destroyed an
entire city? How do we reach out to help when the
need is so overwhelming? Everyone responds to
traumatic stress in different ways and there is not
one right way to respond. The National Association
of Traumatic Stress Specialist (ATSS) offers
guidelines for dealing with the emotional impact of
trauma. People may experience anger, guilt, fatigue,
depression, helplessness, interruption in sleep
patterns, hopelessness, fear, disorientation, or a
change in eating habits.
The following ATSS suggestions
help people who have been traumatized:
 | Have a strong support system (i.e., family,
friends, co-workers)
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| Provide a feeling of safety
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| Keep to a routine
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| Provide encouragement
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| Stay active
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| Exercise
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| Focus on the positive
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| Drink plenty of fluids
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| Take naps |
Children of all ages face the
same feelings as adults, often expressing them very
differently. Many times children and adolescents
will have a delayed reaction to trauma and may
experience a regression in behavior, sleep problems,
restlessness, unrealistic fears, or clinginess. The
ATSS and the Center for the Study of Traumatic
Stress suggest the following tips for helping
children deal with trauma.
Ideas for the child.
| Expression of feelings through play
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| Hearing that adults have a plan
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| Receiving lots of hugs and kisses
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| Getting lots of reassurance
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| Being given choices and a sense of control
over their environment
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Ideas for the adult to help the child.
| Limiting exposure to media reports about
tragedy
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| Maintaining the child/adolescent’s routine
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| Listening to the child’s stories
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| Helping children understand their feelings
and behavior
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| Providing concrete information for your
child |
The effects of 9/11 and
Hurricane Katrina are long-lasting. Understanding
normal reactions to trauma help all of us on the
path to recovery as we struggle to cope with the
feelings and behaviors of ourselves, our families,
and our friends.
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Quote of the Month |
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“One of the most calming and powerful actions you
can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up
and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light
from other souls who are fully lit and willing to
show it.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estes
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