Helping Children Cope with the Columbia Space Shuttle Tragedy

(Santa Ana) – The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew is difficult for all of us to accept, but the accident may present special coping challenges for children.

“Parents should limit the amount of news coverage of the event watched by children and provide a supportive atmosphere in which to discuss the tragedy,” says Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Children and Youth Services Program Manager James Harte, Ph.D. “Maintaining the child’s routine and encouraging them to participate in physical and social activities are other ways to help children cope with a disaster.”

How children react to this event will vary depending on their age and maturity. “Parents are the best judges of what is normal behavior for their children, so be aware of any changes that may result from stress or anxiety,” stated Harte. Some general signs of concern to look for in children’s behavior include:

• Being excessively withdrawn or depressed

• Engaging in self-destructive behaviors

• Acting out in an aggressive manner

• Changes in behavior such as refusing to eat

If these changes persist, professional assistance may be necessary. HCA’s Children and Youth Services (CYS) provides outpatient assistance through regional clinics and school based sites. Information on CYS clinics can be found at http://www.ocgov.com/hca/behavioral/cysclinics.htm.

# # #