171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
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September 2005
Mental Health Resource News Brief
Psychological Impact of Hurricane Katrina
The destructive nature of Hurricane Katrina has caused extensive loss and devastation and has
had an enormous economic impact on the entire nation. Health care professionals, parents and teachers are again faced
with the difficult challenge of discussing natural disasters. It's important to allow opportunities for children to talk
about these events. While there is not a "right" or "wrong" way to talk about these issues,the following tips may be helpful:
- Many children may not want to think about what's happening outside of their own neighborhoods. They may just want to be
children and play ball and play with friends. However, if they do express concern about Hurricane Katrina and the people affected
by it, reassure them that it's okay to ask questions. They may fear a similar disaster could happen in their own neighborhood
or with the next passing rainstorm.
- Acknowledge and validate the child's thoughts, feelings and reactions. Try to maintain an open and supportive environment
but don't force kids to talk about things until they're ready.
- Be prepared to repeat simple explanations and information several times and use developmentally appropriate words and concepts children can understand.
- Do not allow children to watch too much television with frightening images. Parents may need to watch news reports
after children are asleep. The repetition of these scenes can be confusing and disturbing to people of all ages.
- Let children know that lots of people are helping the affected families. Teach them that people are there to help when scary things happen.
Use this opportunity to teach the importance of generosity.
- Children who have experienced trauma or losses in the past may be especially vulnerable to hearing or seeing news about this recent event.
Children who develop sleep problems, anxiety, depression or a preoccupation with questions or concerns may need extra support
and attention. If symptoms persist, talk to a trained and qualified mental health professional.
Topics such as this are discussed monthly in the peer supervision group, Promoting Happy and Healthy Youth, which meets the third Tuesday
of each month in room 377 of Rutledge Tower. Health care professionals are welcome to join the group. Support is provided by the Maternal
and Child Health Bureau with breakfast provided by Shire Pharmaceuticals. Contact spratte@musc.edu or maciasm@musc.edu for additional information.
For additional information on this topic, please see the information listed below:
- www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/traumaticmenu.cfm
- www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/hurricanekatrina-research.cfm
- www.aacap.org/publications/DisasterResponse/index.htm
- www.wjh.harvard.edu/~nock/Div53/TsunamiInformationSheet.pdf
- La Greca, A. M., Silverman, W. K., Vernberg, E. M., & Roberts, M. C. (2002).
Helping children cope with disasters and terrorism. Washington, DC: American
Psychological Association.ISBN = 1-55798-914-1
- Rosenfield, L. B., Caye, J. S., Ayalon, O., & Lahad, M. (2005). When their world falls apart: Helping families and children manage the effects of disasters. Washington, DC: NASW Press. ISBN = 0-87101-358-4 Saylor, C. F. (1993). Children and disasters. New York, NY: Plenum Press. ISBN = 0-306-44431-3
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