Post Disaster Stages

Terror

Exhibits for children through crying, vomiting or bodily discharge, becoming mute, loss of temper, or running away. 

Anger or Rage

Adrenaline release, tense muscles, heart rate increases. 

Denial

Adults may exhibit denial differently from children. Some behaviors include feeling numb, blocking off pain and emotion, dreaming, feeling removed from experiences, or feeling nothing at all. Children may withdraw into uncustomary behavior patterns. One study reported avoidance and resistance to participating in art therapy by not drawing anything related to the actual disaster (Newman, 1976). Behaviors may appear non-responsive and be overlooked. 

Unresolved Grief

Unresolved grief could move into deep depression or major character changes to adjust to unresolved demands of grief and trauma. A child may stay sad or angry, be passive or resistant.

Shame & Guilt

Children do not believe in randomness and may even feel at fault after a disaster. Shame is one's public exposure of vulnerabilities. Guilt is private. There is a need to resolve these feelings, regain a sense of control, gain a new sense of independence, and feel capable.