To the editor: Thanks to The Instances for the wonderful article about little one and adolescent responses to trauma, extra particularly youngsters uncovered to the phobia of the Eaton and Palisades fires (“Meltdowns, nightmares and regressions: The L.A. fires are taking a traumatic toll on kids,” March 6). The counsel of those psychological well being professionals is simply what youngsters want now.
I’d prefer to reference one thing that one of many folks within the article talked about. The affect of the fires on each mother and father and kids can result in a round suggestions loop such that each mother and father and kids can expertise the emotions of the opposite.
Anger (rage), worry and disappointment can generally be transmitted inside youngsters and their mother and father. Within the midst of the tragic losses, mother and father try to be accessible and nurturing of their youngsters, all whereas making an attempt to regulate and try to seek out steady housing, discover new colleges, take care of the a number of processes to acquire myriad permits for rebuilding, FEMA cash, insurance coverage reimbursement and a bunch of different difficult duties.
If in any respect doable, mother and father may course of all of those losses inside a bunch of different mother and father as steadily as doable so a few of their emotions are much less transferable to their youngsters. Simple for me to say, however mentioned in care and assist for individuals who have misplaced a lot.
Ellen Faulk, Los Angeles
The author, who holds a doctorate in psychology, works as a therapist.
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To the editor: Following the devastating L.A. wildfires, it’s an understatement to say that the victims are grieving and in survival mode. As we’re seeing, long-term trauma and grief can fester, doubtlessly impacting one’s bodily and psychological well-being.
Thanks, workers author Jenny Gold, for reporting on this problem, bringing to gentle the much-needed grief assist for L.A. youth.
Because the founding father of a bereavement camp, I’ve seen that youngsters grieve otherwise from adults. One second they’re unhappy, the subsequent they wish to play. Loss — whether or not it’s a liked one, residence, pet, college or household heirloom — can spark an emotional response.
Now greater than ever, youngsters in L.A. want reassurance and grief assist to assist break their isolation. I encourage the group to proceed sharing their tales and to seek out consolation with each other, particularly younger folks. The L.A. group is within the hearts of everybody, even right here on the East Coast.
Lynne Hughes, Richmond, Va.
The author is CEO and founding father of Consolation Zone Camp.
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