It is not uncommon to find young victims in a major disaster such as a fire. And it may be easier to find young witnesses to a violent incident.

The children may not be physically hurt, but that does not mean they do not suffer from the traumatic experience. In a disaster, the children could have heard unprecedented deafening noises, seen blinding lights, experienced extreme temperature and forces, smelt sickening odour, and witnessed total chaos. They might find themselves trapped and helpless.

The frightening situation is not at all like what we see in movies with surround sound and special effects. It is a thousand times more intense. The uncontrollable and immense sensations will force their way into the delicate brain of the child, destroying their usual sense of security and replacing it with recurrent horrible scenes.

Adult trauma victims may be able to get over the trauma with some help and support. However, children, who do not have so much life experience, language and problem-solving skills, will easily develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder if not helped timely and appropriately.

Most adult survivors will experience irrational fears, worries, strange sensations, and guilt long after the trauma. Unfortunately, young survivors will have the same psychological symptoms. In addition, because of reduced concentration ability, children's school performance may deteriorate.

Some young survivors will need to express their inner emotions behaviourally; they will avoid all sorts of places and activities, throw temper tantrums, and may even abuse drugs to numb the distress.

Psychologists now know that it is not helpful at all to help the traumatised victims suppress their nightmares or force them to confront their fears. That will only make things worse. All the survivors wish is our patience and our readiness to listen to their horrible experience. The recovery is long but our openness and support can help them return to their healthy path of growth and development.

Do these reactions sound familiar to you? We will talk about different ways of coping and treatment in later issues.

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group.

PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine: 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon).





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