• Common Feelings
• Common Symptoms
• Children's Reactions
• Adjusting to the Experience

Common Feelings

Human reactions to disaster will not be the same; however, these are some of the more common and normal feelings:

• Shock
• Fear
• Anger
• Helplessness
• Sadness
• Shame
• Guilt
• Blame

Common Symptoms

• Tension
• Sleep disturbance, Dreams and Nightmares
• Memories and Feelings
• Depression & Withdrawal
• Irritability
• Physical Sensations
• Delayed effects

Children's Reactions

• Nightmares
• Changes in dressing, eating and toilet habits
• Irritability, listlessness, bored
• Clinging to objects for security
• Poor coping behaviours
• Reverting to past behaviours
• Changes in relationship with parent, siblings or peers
• Preoccupation with trauma
• Excessive concern for others
• Reduced school performance
• Overactive behaviour
• Small ailments exaggerated reactions to get security

Adjusting to the Experience

• Acceptance and acknowledgment
• Support, sharing common experience
• Going over the event, think and talk about it
• Expressing Feelings, sharing and healing
• Taking care of yourself, health and safety
• The positive side, bonding, strengthening, coping