Reactions to violence: Symptoms, tips for coping

Web Extras: Marketplace, Bridal, Headlines by Email, Postcards

Reactions to violence: Symptoms, tips for coping

Tuesday, May 02, 2000

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The southwestern Pennsylvania community as a whole will be affected by last week's shootings, although reactions will be more acute in those closest to the events, according to the Center for Victims of Violent Crimes.

Common reactions to the trauma include anxiety, stress, fear, horror, difficulty sleeping, jumpiness, edginess or feeling detached. The experts say that the sooner people seek and receive help, the better they are likely to cope.

Recognize that these are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances, especially in children.

Some symptoms

Decline in school performance.

Radical changes in behavior.

Obsessive talking about the incident.

Suppression of thoughts or feelings to avoid confronting the pain.

Withdrawal from friends.

Nightmares and sleep disturbances.

Anger.

Jumping at the sound of loud noises or getting edgy if people approach.

Expression of feelings in artwork.

Suicide attempts.

Fear that the event will happen again.

Depression.

Acting out with aggressive, violent behavior or substance abuse.

Coping strategies

Talk about the irrationality and suddenness of the tragedy, and vent feelings through art, writing or acting out.

Rebuild attachments and relationships, even with pets.

Reaffirm the future.

Get proper rest and don't skip meals.

Stick to a daily routine.

Postpone making major decisions in time of crisis.

Recognize that survivors will be going through the additional trauma of court appearances and having to rearrange their finances.

For further information, call the 24-hour hot line at 412-392-8582.