The ManicaPost
Dr Mazvita Machinga Mental Health
As our country and our province, Manicaland recover from the effects of Cyclone Idai, its impact on school children should not be taken lightly. Hundreds of children were affected by the cyclone.
These children saw family members and communities undergoing huge amounts of distress, worry and suffering. It will not be healthy for parents, teachers and school authorities to appear as if nothing happened or silence children from sharing their experiences as the second term begins. While most children will rebound from the negative effects of the cyclone, some will continue to have problems, and may develop mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and phobias.
As I visited the affected areas, I saw families and their children living in temporary accommodation since their homes had been swept away. Children have experienced many changes to their usual routines and social circles. And on top of all this, many treasured possessions may have been lost or damaged forever. It is essential that families, teachers and those in regular contact with children from affected areas offer children support and a place to heal.
We know that in times of stress, children’s reactions are greatly influenced by the adults around them, many of whom are dealing with their own stress reactions. But, adults who are available, open and honest with children, and who provide a sense of normalcy while monitoring children’s reactions over time, are sources of strength.
It is not unusual for the reactions of any particular child to change months and weeks following a crisis. This article is meant to share information on this and state how schools and families can assist children after a disaster.
Common children’s reaction after a disaster
Some common traumatic stress reactions in children include: avoidance, re-experiencing, indiscipline and heightened arousal. Children may try to avoid reminders, activities, thoughts and feelings related to cyclone. They may detach and isolate themselves. 2. Re-experiencing- Children may show evidence of re-living aspects of the cyclone, or of having recurring images and thoughts about what happened.
Frequent nightmares about the event may occur. On heightened arousal, children may show agitation and elevated responsiveness to reminders of the cyclone. Children may show nervousness, have sleep problems, poor concentration, easily startled, appetite changes and disorganized behavior. Some may have panic and anxiety attacks and worry about the future.
How to help children after disaster?
- Identify children at risk for difficulties and encourage them to talk, and express their feelings
When children do get a chance to speak about their own feelings and experiences they often recover much more quickly. Researchers and scholars in disaster management revealed that children who have been victims of disasters such as flooding often say that their families and schools did not listen to their experiences, worries, fears and problems.
They also say that they didn’t want to burden their family and teachers with these worries. Parents and teachers let the children know that their experiences and feelings are important to you and create a conducive environment for them to talk if they so wish. Parents may have to talk to their children’s teachers and keep them up to date and aware of their child’s experiences. In case of physical ailments children should seek medical attention.
- Know that some children may struggle and it is normal
Children by their nature can recover but some may struggle. This is why parents, teachers and schools must monitor children’s behaviour. Keep a close eye on them to check if they are acting differently and discuss it with them.
It is not time to be hard on the children or criticize them, Instead, talk to them about their feelings, thoughts and what may be going through in their lives. They may have changes in behaviour and relations. You can also refer them for professional help to professional counsellors, psychologists or others especially those who show noticeable severe problems.
Remember as adults we are our children’s guides through this.
Try not to say anything that might scare affected children more. Let them know and acknowledge that even though the situation was bad the future is positive and bright. Let them know that they are safe and you will be available to help them. Refer them to mental health professional if a child is seriously affected and his/her normal functioning is impacted.
- 3. Give kids the facts and empower the affected children with life skills.
One thing that reduces fear and anxiety in children affected by disaster is them having some information about the disaster. Remember if we do not give them information they will get information from some other sources which may be faulty. So, to give children facts, parents and teachersmay need to educate yourself first, and then teach your children about the causes of natural disasters such as cyclone etc. This should include ways you can protect yourselves as a family in the future
- Systems in Schools(they can help or hinder recovery
Schools should put a system into place for communicating with staff, parents and children should be reassured that there is a system in place to handle such events.
- School Support – Every school in the affected areas needs to identify a contact person for staff and students in case they need someone to talk to. Remember that most children are able to cope with a natural disaster when provided with support , encouragement and processing of the disaster.
- Teach them positive coping skills – Help children recover and plan to adopt positive coping skills when they are distressed or in crisis. I hope this information is helpful.
- Encourage children to seek professional help if the struggle continues.
- Spiritual resources that are helpful also reduce the negative impact.
For more information, contact Dr Mazvita Machinga, qualified psychotherapist in Mutare. For help to those traumatized help is available. Contact information 0771754519/0778838410 or email : [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
