Natural disasters take an emotional toll on kids

Children caught up in the emotional aftermath of the NSW bushfires need ongoing support to help them understand their feelings are natural and normal, according to a University of Queensland clinical psychologist. Dr Vanessa Cobham said her work with flood-affected Queensland communities over the past two years had convinced her of the need for government agencies to offer ongoing support to families and particularly children following a major disaster. "After a natural disaster many people experience some anxiety and stress, which is completely normal," Dr Cobham said. "Most people haven't been through an experience like that before, so they don't know what to expect or what is 'normal' in terms of the emotional impact. "Children and adolescents are a particularly vulnerable and often overlooked group. "Without access to evidence-based professional intervention, about 10 per cent will experience persistent symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other related problems such as depression.'' Dr Cobham and Professor Brett McDermott were appointed Deputy Chair and Chair of the Mater Statewide Child and Youth Recovery and Resilience team for Queensland Health (QH) after Queensland's floods in 2011. Dr Cobham has collaborated with Triple P - Positive Parenting Program founder Professor Matt Sanders to create a two-hour Disaster Recovery Triple P (DRTP) parenting seminar to provide emotional support, information and reassurance to parents in disaster-affected communities.