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Van ISD Encourages Parents to Monitor for PTSD Symptoms

Posted/updated on: May 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm
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vanisd_1432313958493_650436_ver1.0VAN — Natural disasters can create anxiety and emotional stress amongst children, families, and the community. The impact of a natural disaster such as the May 10 tornado in Van can cause traumatic stress and confusion and create fear. Van ISD counselors and administrators encourage parents to monitor their children closely for symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that may arise over the weeks ahead. Tammy Willis, licensed specialist in school psychology for Van ISD, says that most children will be able to cope on their own over time. However, some children may be at risk for extreme reactions to natural disasters. These reactions can vary by age groups.

Possible reactions by age include but are not limited to:

· 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.

Other symptoms may include re-experiencing the disaster during play and/or dreams, anticipating or feeling the disaster is happening again, avoiding reminders of the disaster; general numbness to emotional topics; and increased arousal symptoms such as startle reactions.

“The most important thing is that parents have to know their child,” Ms. Willis said. “They have to recognize what their appetite, sleep pattern, social activities, and academic performances are like. When there are changes in that behavior, that should be a red flag. If parents continue to notice any of these symptoms 4-6 weeks after the incident, it is important that they seek help for their child.”

A counselor will be available to Van ISD students throughout the summer. Parents are asked to contact the administration building for more information or to set up an appointment.

Useful Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) Resources and Links:

http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/tornadoes
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohsepr/children-and-families
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Children-and-Disasters/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Disasters.aspx
http://www.psychiatry.org/mental-health/talking-to-children-about-disasters
http://www.handinhandparenting.org/article/talking-to-your-child-about-natural-disasters/
http://www.redcross.org/



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