Recognizing and Responding to Trauma

What happens when people experience a disaster or traumatic event?

Shock and denial are typical responses to large-scale natural disasters, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions.

Once the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from one person to another. These are common responses to a traumatic event:

• Feelings become intense and sometimes are unpredictable. You may become more irritable than usual, and your mood may change back and forth dramatically. You might be especially anxious or nervous, or even become depressed.

• Thoughts and behavior patterns are affected. You might have repeated and vivid memories of evacuating or seeing the fire approach. These flashbacks may occur for no apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat or sweating. You may find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, or become more easily confused. Sleep and eating patterns also may be disrupted.

• Recurring emotional reactions are common. Reminders or “triggers” such as smoke, ash, sirens, or fire trucks can create anxiety.

• Interpersonal relationships can become strained, particularly if you are living in temporary housing. You may experience arguments with family or friends. On the other hand, you might become withdrawn and isolated and avoid your usual activities.

• Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress. For example, headaches, nausea, and chest pain may result and may require medical attention. Pre-existing medical conditions may worsen due to the stress.

It is important to realize that there is no one “standard” pattern of reaction to the extreme stress of traumatic experiences.

Possible Reactions of Children and Youth to Wildfires

Most children will be able to cope over time with the help of parents and other caring adults. However, some children may be at risk of more extreme reactions. The severity of children’s reactions will depend on their specific risk factors. These include exposure to the wildfire, personal injury or loss of a loved one, relocation from their home or community, level of parental support, the level of physical destruction, and pre-existing risks, such as a previous traumatic experience or mental illness. Symptoms may differ depending on age but can include:

• Preschoolers—thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal from friends and routines.

• Elementary school children—irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.

• Adolescents—sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.

A small minority of children may be at risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can include those listed above, exhibited over an extended period of time. Other symptoms may include re-experiencing the wildfire during play or dreams; anticipating or feeling that a wildfire is happening again; avoiding reminders of the wildfire; general numbness to emotional topics; and increased arousal symptoms, such as inability to concentrate and startle reactions. Although extremely rare, some adolescents may also be at increased risk of suicide if they suffer from serious mental health problems like PTSD or depression. Students who exhibit these symptoms should be referred for appropriate mental health evaluation and intervention.

Other Signs of Trauma you may see at home or in the classroom:

• Excessive anger

• Unusual startle reactions

• Loss of appetite

• Extreme fatigue

• Physical or verbal aggression

• Regular tardiness or absence from class

• Perfectionistic, controlling or anxious behavior

• Difficulty concentrating

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches

• Low self-confidence

• Irritability

• Clinginess

• Trouble making friends

• Self-harm or suicidal ideation

• Hoarding

• Risky behaviors (including drug or alcohol abuse or sexual acting out)

• Panic attacks

• Extreme self-reliance

• Running away

• Defiance

• Alienation from peers