Brief presentations of information on aspects of PTSD:

• PTSD and Community Violence
  
  
• PTSD in Children
  
  
• PTSD and Problems with Alcohol Use
  
  
• PTSD and Relationships
  
  
• PTSD and the Family

  
  

• Physical Health and PTSD

• Survivors of Natural Disasters
  
  
• Epdimological Facts About PTSD --How many people exposed to traumatic events have PTSD?
  
  
• Disaster and Rescue Workers and PTSD
  

• Warning Signs
  Warning signs of trauma-related stress, from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
  
  
• Warning Signs from APA
  Warning signs of trauma-related stress, from the American Psychological Assn.
  

• Victim Emotional Health
  Emotional health issues for victims, from the American Red Cross.
  
  
• Coping Suggestions
  Coping suggestions, from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

• Normalizing Emotions
  You are not alone! description of normal emotions following a disaster, from the American Red Cross.
  

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Overview" Matthew J. Friedman

The Peniston Protocol
PTSD Treatment

Dendrite Forest Home

Disasters affect people in many ways. In some disaster situations it may mean loss of loved ones, including relatives, friends, neighbors, or family pets. In others, it means loss of home and property, furnishings, and important or cherished belongings. Sometimes it means starting over with a new home or business. The emotional effects of loss and disruption may show up immediately or may appear many months later.

It is very important to understand that there is a natural grieving process following any loss, and that a disaster of any size will cause unusual and unwanted stress in those attempting to reconstruct their lives.

SOME INITIAL RESPONSES TO THE DISASTER

Fear

Disbelief

Reluctance to abandon property

Disorientation and numbing

Difficulty in making decisions

Need for information

Seeking help for yourself and your family

Helpfulness to other disaster victims

SOME LATER RESPONSES

Change in appetite and digestive problems

Difficulty in sleeping and headaches

Anger and suspicion

Apathy and depression

Crying for "no apparent reason"

Frustration and feelings of powerlessness over one's own future

Increased effects of allergies, colds, and flu

Feelings of being overwhelmed

Moodiness and irritability

Anxiety about the future

Disappointment with, and rejection of, outside help

Isolating oneself from family, friends, or social activities

Guilt over not being able to prevent the disaster

Domestic violence

SPECIAL EFFECTS ON YOUNG CHILDREN

Return to earlier behavior, such as thumb sucking or bed wetting

Clinging to parents

Reluctance to go to bed

Nightmares

Fantasies that the disaster never happened

Crying and screaming

Withdrawal and immobility

Refusal to attend school

Problems at school and inability to concentrate

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP AFTER THE INITIAL CRISIS

Help for You and Your Family

• Recognize your own feelings.
• Talk to others about your feelings; this will help relieve your stress and help you realize that your feelings are shared by other victims.
• Accept help from others in the spirit in which it is given. Wouldn't you help them?
• Whenever possible, take time off and do something you enjoy.
• Get enough rest.
• Get as much physical activity as possible, such as running or walking.
• Give someone a hug; touching is very important.

Help for Your Child

Talk with your child about his or her feelings and your feelings. You will find that many of your feelings are shared, regardless of your child's age. Encourage your child to draw pictures of the disaster. This will help you understand how he or she views what happened.

Talk with your child about what happened, providing factual information that she or he can understand.

Reassure your child that you and he or she are safe. Repeat this assurance as often as necessary.

Review safety procedures that are now in place, including the role your child can take.

Hold your child. Touching provides extra reassurance that someone is there for her or him.

Spend extra time with your child, especially at bedtime.

Relax rules, but maintain family structure and responsibility.

Praise and recognize responsible behavior.

Work closely with teachers, day-care personnel, baby-sitters and others who may not understand how the disaster has affected your child.

Help for Your Community

Listen when you can to those who are having problems.

Share your own feelings about the disaster.

Be tolerant of the irritability and short tempers others show -- everyone is stressed at this time.

Share information on assistance being offered and possible resources.