Vulnerability to Coping Difficulties

There are factors that could make your child or you more vulnerable to psychological difficulties in coping.

·        Exposure to actual event (threat to safety or thoughts they would die in a disaster)

·        Personal injury or loss (loved ones and belongings)

·        Level of parental support (maternal preoccupation with the trauma or separation from parent[s])

·        Dislocation or relocation (home destroyed or temporary housing or shelters)

·        Level of physical destruction (more physcial damage = more emotional damage)

·        Pre-existing risks (depression, anxiety, previous trauma)

·        Man-made disasters over natural (man-made will have a greater vulnerablitiy due to their diliberate nature)

·        Mothers of young children up to 10 years - and I would include pregnancy in this.

Those with foster children or children who have been adopted are going to need to be extra vigilant and supportive. They will be at higher risk from repeated trauma, separation from family, and possible psychological issues due to unresolved previous trauma or circumstances. As beware of increased fear and distrust toward you due to previous dealings with own family. Lastly be careful for family members looking for them. Reassure them that their child is fine and looked after and safe, but that they will not be released until the proper authority declares it. Returning back to their families in this situation puts them at higher risk because previous family habits will be compounded with the high stress and trauma of the circumstances. If you know children that may not be in foster care but you are aware of some difficulties at home, be watchful as well, due to a likely increase in domestic violence at these times.