The Hidden Impact of The Floods/Cyclone On Your Family
Even if you only experienced the flooding and cyclone on TV, the images and sounds broadcast over and over have had more impact on you and your children than you may realise. Here are some signs to look out for and suggestions for healing:
Signs to look out for
* Interrupted sleep, vivid dreams or nightmares.
* A flat or heavy feeling.
* Reluctance to go out, to fully engage socially and at work.
* Loss of vision or clear motivating goals for the future.
* Difficulty concentrating at work, mental fog or white noise
* Easily moved to tears.
* Feelings of guilt or helplessness.
* Reluctance to go into deep water, including swimming pools
* children playing games with a flood theme
* children clinging, not wanting to be left alone
* new loud attention seeking behaviour
What to do
* Acknowledge you have been affected. The floods and cyclone were traumatic events whether lived through on location or by TV.
* Stop watching and reading dramatic TV and newspaper stories.
* Re-connect with family and friends and focus conversations on what you are grateful for in the present, plans for the future, find things to laugh about – children especially need this.
* Do you need to talk, to receive hugs or just have more social contact to feel better? What do your loved ones need?
* Your children need to feel safe, loved and secure. Feeling invisible because their parent is distracted increases their stress levels and can result in ‘naughty’ behaviour, just so they feel noticed.
* You suffering more would not help those who did. You have a different role to play in this situation. Take action to help in any way you can.
* Children process events through their play. Keep a discreet ear and eye out for opportunities to clarify, reassure, put into perspective.
* Take care of your health – relaxation, exercise, healthy food and drink choices. Ban anything with 951 on the label.
* Seek professional help if you are sill not coping with daily life.
* Attend a Growing Content de-stressing workshop or book in for one on one time with Sue Lester of Growing Content Ph 07 3103 2679 or email sue@growingcontent.com.au
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