How To Help Children And Youth Exposed To Suffering, Depression, Economic Despair, Addictions, Illness And Homelessness
Without help, children & youth can feel overwhelmed and powerless. They can learn helplessness. They can come to believe that life is too hard and that they can do nothing to help themselves. Children & youth can often think that the suffering they are witnessing is their suffering. This slows their emotional, intellectual and physical development. Children/teens often feel isolated, alone, depressed and abandoned in the face of such suffering. This affects later relationships and the ability to give and receive help for the rest of their lives.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Long Walks/Hikes • Nature • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Pets |
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For Parents: • Get support for yourself and for the child or youth as soon as possible. Find people for you and the child or youth to talk to. • Pick people who are compassionate listeners who do not blame you or the child or youth. |
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•Do things together that will remind the child or youth that she/he is loved and valued. Talk together. • Keep trying even if the child or youth refuses to stop being silent or angry. Her/his silence or anger is helping her/him feel protected and strong in a situation where she/he has lost power and faith. |
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Check out: www.traumasoma.com/index.shtml (very technical); www.acestudy.org. |