Jose Luis Vazquez Martinez

Mental Health Issues and Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Human-caused Disasters

Jose Luis Vazquez Martinez - 30 July 2019

Source: SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/mental-health-substance-use-issues-exposed-youth.pdf

cover

 

After exposure to oil spills, radiation disasters, incidents of mass violence, and terrorist attacks, children and youth may experience a variety of adverse mental health and substance use-related consequences. While symptoms of disorders decrease over time for most children and youth, for some, the effects will be more intense and will last longer, and may require therapeutic intervention.

 

This edition of the Supplemental Research Bulletin focuses on how human-caused disasters may affect children and youth. The issue also discusses risk and protective factors, as well as the possible effects of indirect disaster exposure. A sampling of approaches and interventions to support children in the aftermath of disasters is also included.

Danial Johanssen

Thank you for sharing the PDF file. For those wondering about the common mental health issues in children exposed to human-caused disasters and not wanting to spend a whole day reading the text file, here's the list:

  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Children who experience or witness traumatic events, such as natural disasters, war, or violence, may develop PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and hyperarousal.

  2. Anxiety: Children exposed to humanitarian crises may experience anxiety, including separation anxiety, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety.

  3. Depression: Children may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Parents should use positive s words and/or encourage their children to improve revert their negative self-talk.

  4. Behavioral problems: Children may exhibit behavioral problems, such as aggression, disobedience, and withdrawal.

  5. Substance abuse: Children may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the stress and trauma they have experienced.

  6. Developmental delays: Children exposed to humanitarian crises may experience developmental delays, such as delays in language development, cognitive abilities, and social skills.

  7. Maladaptive coping skills: Children may develop maladaptive coping skills, such as self-harm, substance abuse, and disordered eating, to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
     

Kind regards,

Dr. Danial Johanssen

lily collins

Paparan bencana buatan manusia dapat berdampak signifikan pada kesehatan mental anak-anak dan remaja, tetapi respons individu terhadap bencana berbeda dan bitlife tidak semua anak. Anak-anak dan remaja sama-sama mengalami masalah kesehatan mental yang serupa. Identifikasi, intervensi dini, dan akses ke layanan dukungan kesehatan mental yang tepat sangat penting dalam membantu anak-anak dan remaja pulih dan membangun ketahanan dalam menghadapi pengalaman stres seperti rasa sakit.

Alan Cubero

Indirect exposure to disasters, Garten Of Banban 3 such as witnessing media coverage or hearing about the event from others, can also impact children and youth.

davis john

Thank you very much for your honest comments. I understand that Taking preventive measures, such as providing disaster prevention education and creating a safe and supportive environment, Amanda The Adventurer can help reduce the impact of disasters on mental health in children and adolescents.