Coping with a major personal crisis
The bushfire tragedy would have serious emotional and mental health ramifications for those affected families who are already experiencing compounding hardships such as the drought and economic crisis. Many of those affected would be vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder, and many others would simply be struggling with various forms of grief. A crisis may be more intense for people who have suffered heavily or been particularly involved.
Bereaved. Bereavement can be especially difficult when deaths were multiple, sudden or violent, a child or young person died, the body was not found, or when the relationship with the deceased person was difficult. High profile events can also take on a community dimension, where the public also grieves for the deceased. This public grief often subsides quickly after public memorial services, leaving the directly affected people to cope within their own circle of family and friends.
Emergency workers, volunteers or helpers. The responsibility of helping out in an emergency can give people stronger reactions, especially those who gave deeply of themselves, came into close contact with the injured, dying or dead, felt they failed to do their job properly, or experienced ‘burn-out’.
Elderly. Elderly people may find it harder to readjust because of reduced energy, increasing frailty and limitations on social and economic resources required to rebuild their lives.
Children. Children also experience emotional and physical responses to crises. Their imaginings and nightmares can add to their fear after an event. Sometimes children show their distress by behaving in ways they did when they were younger, such as clinging. These behaviours may be a burden on already stressed parents, but be aware that children need the closeness and comfort of their families. They need to be understood, believed and given honest explanations of the event. Children need reassurance about their own and their family’s safety, and to know that they did not cause the event. It is important to make sure that children of all ages are not exposed to horrific images in the media. Constructive activities like drawing, playing and talking can help children to express their feelings.
According to Brett McDermott, an associate professor of Child Psychiatry at the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, between 5 and 10 percent of children experience anxiety responses that are clinically significant, including post traumatic stress (PTSD). Professor McDermott has studied the effects of the 1994 Sydney bushfires on children.
He said: “The primary school children (are) more affected than the high school children…We found that they had a lot of very typical symptoms of PTSD. Initially in the first few weeks they had re-experiencing phenomena. A lot of kids had nightmares, a lot of kids felt as if it was happening again. Their body also told them they were anxious. They might have had a fast heart rate or they might have been breathing very quickly or sweating or being hyper-vigilant.”
In one of Victoria’s bushfire-affected areas, Kinglake, people are attempting to return to normal life and some children are getting back to pre-school. Dr Suzie Bourke, senior researcher at the Australian Psychological Society, says it is important to re-establish routines. She said, “So even if families have lost their homes and they’re living with friends or they’re living in an emergency shelter still, there are still various ways in which parents can have a routine.” Parents must look out for signs their child is not coping and that does not just go for those who experienced the fires directly.
Family and social relationships. Emergencies may put stress on existing relationships within the family and friendship circles. You might feel that your friends and family just can’t understand, because they weren’t there. Common reactions to these feelings can include anger, conflict, jealousy, and on rare occasions, violence. Some friendships won’t prove to be as supportive as you expected; others may be surprisingly stronger. In some cases you may form new friendships and relationships, particularly with people with whom you shared the event.
Making it easier for you to cope. There are things you can do to make the events and feelings easier to bear.
Doing things: do things that are active and useful (just be careful to avoid over activity)
Facing reality: face reality even if it is painful: return to the scene, inspect damage, visit the injured and in the case of the death someone you love, view the body or attend the funeral.
Talking: talk about your experiences and how you feel, and make time to listen to others.
Reducing exposure: reduce your exposure to the television, internet, newspaper or radio.
Receiving support: Be open to receiving support and comfort, spend time with family or friends.
Making time: Make time and space to be alone with your thoughts and feelings.
Exercising and resting: Exercise, and make time for rest and recreation to maintain your physical and mental health, and get enough sleep.
Getting back into routine: return to everyday routines and familiar activities as soon as possible, even in small ways.
Do’s
Do allow yourself time to talk, be angry, cry, laugh and grieve according to your needs
Do allow your children to share in your distress and encourage them to express their own.
Do allow yourself time to be with people who care about you and also with people who went through what you went through.
Do spend time alone when you need it.
Do recognise that everyone expresses things in their own way. Men may find it harder to express emotion and weep. Children may need encouragement and support to express themselves.
Do take time out to sleep, rest and enjoy and do routine things when possible.
Do allow your children to return to school and keep up with their activities as soon as they are ready.
Do express your needs clearly and honestly to family, friends and officials.
Don’ts
Don’t bottle up feelings.
Don’t avoid talking and thinking about what has happened.
Seeking support
Seeking support after a major personal crisis can be a positive step. Some people choose to seek informal help from family, friends, colleagues or through their faith. Sometimes, however, informal support may not be enough. Consider seeking professional help if:
Your emotions or physical symptoms are too intense or persistent
You feel too numb, cut off or you have to keep active in order not to feel
You continue to have nightmares, poor sleep or flashbacks
Your family, social or work relationships suffer
Sexual problems develop
You experience loss of memory and concentration
Your performance suffers at school, work or home
You have accidents or illness
You increase smoking, drinking or drug taking
You have no one to talk to about your experience
You have lost faith in yourself or the world
You have feelings of hopelessness, despair or even suicide
Emergencies by their very nature are disruptive and can be very stressful. Victims will most likely have a range of feelings after a major crisis. Expressing your emotions does not mean you are out of control, weak, or having a nervous breakdown. Consider professional assistance as preventative health care and get information and advice earlier rather than later. You can seek assistance from your GP, or community health service or an experienced registered psychologist.
Source: Coping with a major personal crisis, Emergency REDIPlan, Australian Red Cross.