TRAUMATIC EVENTS CAN LEAD TO LIFELONG ANXIETY

Without thinking about it a traumatic event happens and your life turns upside down. Think about the recent fire in Fort McMurray and driving through flames. Well how many people do you think will have Post Traumatic Stress from it. Lots! The healing begins as quickly as it can to the event. If support- emotional support is given quickly- the long term effects will be lessened. But there will be long term effects. Think of soldiers, victims of abuse, natural disasters- well the list could be endless. Anxiety is one of those underrated human occurrences. We all have some which can be more or less depending on the day or time of life. Change brings lots of anxiety. Even going on a trip- the packing, the organizing, the tasks! PTSD is one form of anxiety. Flashbacks, triggers, hypervigilance, nightmares, panic attacks! Moodiness! Why me? There are trained crisis intervention workers that have hit the ground running in the recent event.  Providing a place to stay, essentials of life, food, toiletries, activities began from the moment people arrived to safety. Hope there will be survival! Rebuilding! Many Canadians have lived through floods, tornadoes, bad weather events, personal accidents, tragedies, returning from serving our country. We have not done a great job at recognizing the effects of those events. We have not done enough for the First Responders and the trauma they faced. Let's hope that the mass exodus from a community will give recognition to the stress,anxiety, fear and maybe depression for many that will come to light and the mental health and health resources will be given. Although some will say they are coping just fine, leave me alone, may just be in the numb zone of denying any feelings. PTSD can manifest its ugly head months after an event. It is a current event that can be linked to those soldiers who committed suicide from their PTSD. Police officers who left a job from the traumas they faced. Not pretending to tough it up- it's our job but to recognize the work. Talk about it- how can we help. Use writing, art, music, a sports activity to work through the feelings and internal struggles! For some talking therapy! Having supports in place. Addressing the instrumental tasks like the Employment Insurance, house insurance, getting back to work, some normal activities. All these tasks give hope to many. Giving back some sense of control! Always ask- how can I help. Sometimes just being there and listening- validating the experience was a tough one! As a clinician one of my goals for people is to recognize the stressors and to learn strategies of dealing with it. But acceptance it is part of who the person will be for the rest of their lives! It is always the first real step in healing! Face it head on! Learining to live with it!

NATURAL DISASTERS CAN LEAD TO POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

As we watch the cleanup in the Alberta flood, we are reminded of other natural disasters in Canada and around the world. In the early stages there is the surreal feeling and disbelief of what has happened. For those affected, not only homes but often livelihoods are destroyed. Look at September 11th and the financial community! Loss of life brings a deeper level. As the degree of  realized destruction sets in, many other feelings can surface- anger, why me, heightened anxiety and for those not affected directly but hurting from a changed city and province-survivor's sydrome. Not only does cleanup take its time so does an emotional recovery. Talking, doing, rebuilding are ways to move forward. But as a whole community heals, the individuals in it heal- well individually. Volunteering a listening ear. Acts of kindness. Although many will recover, some may not recover emotionally. There is lots of literature and books written on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that can be reviewed and read. Be prepared for those you know in any disaster or crisis to be changed- it takes a toll! If you are coping or dealing with a changed home, life, your own crisis- be kind to yourself! Reach out to others! Learn to love and accept the new you! If you need some professional counselling or a support group, go for it! When a community suffers together, there are more people with whom to bond. You have a common language! To the current people in this country and around the world, a group hug!

NANA SAYS LISTEN TO THE SUGGESTIONS OF EXPERTS

Children and teenagers with learning disabilities, special needs or complex issues need a different approach than other regular kids. In Ontario, if there is a special learning plan then the child is allowed different concessions. For example, if there are visual issues and the child needs a test orally then it can occur so the knowledge can be tested accurately. Some individuals may need more time to complete a test. Expressing feelings through art and music many help the child to explore and process any emotional issues. Children who have experienced PTSD may manifest the difficulties through diminished results on school work. The emotional piece over rides the learning. Friends and family may be helpful but they can also be detrimental. A friend with a special needs child may give false advice by saying- in my situation all the experts were stupid! Whether you like it or not, the psychologist, special education teacher and social worker or whoever else is involved are on the side of the child to try to find ways to enhance the school experience. Let yourself be part of the team-you are the parent knowing your child best. It can be exhausting trying to manage the situation alone. Yes a diagnosis helps with a plan. Each child with a similar diagnosis needs a different approach that meets the individual needs. It is a struggle but taking the route with expert help takes the pressure off- you are not alone.

A DAY TO REMEMBER-SEPTEMBER 11

As the news stations show clips of that day, we all have our memories and stories of what we were doing, where we were and the fears for those we loved. Some of us saw the Towers coming down live while others caught it on other news clips. Through the years there have been documentaries on the other stories that happened that day like the boats and ferries that evacuated people from New York City. The Principal that walked her students to safey. And even a movie or two about some of the background stories. Now we are thinking about those who have suffered lung disease, PTSD and cancer from being first responders. The ramifications of the conflicts that followed and continue to affect us are the legacy. As we all reflect on that day, may we continue to live in hope of a peaceful world!

WEATHERING THE STORM

As the pictures from the Tornado in Goderich, Ontario flash across our screens, we can reflect on other disasters that we have seen. From floods to monsoons to hurricanes to tornados to war zones, no one  on this earth will escape some  adversity in his or her lifetime. We all can have something beautiful that can be destroyed in a short time. The town square in Goderich reminds me of Adolph's hometown Cassino afer WWII. It was a beautiful town before the war and completely rebuilt afterwards. It never was the same picturesque community. Courage and perseverance is needed to start over. To lose our homes and our stuff is not easy. We are often told well the insurance will pay. It does not replace the memories. The anxiety about other future disaster possibilities can manifest itself in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Letting ourselves grieve the situation before moving on is essential. When a community is affected, there is a solidarity in numbers-you do not feel alone! Have you experienced some adversity lately? Do you feel affected by witnessing disasters in the media? Have you weathered a storm recently?