To the editor: Thanks to The Instances for the superb article about youngster and adolescent responses to trauma, extra particularly kids uncovered to the fear 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 kids want now.
I’d prefer to reference one thing that one of many individuals within the article talked about. The impression of the fires on each mother and father and youngsters can result in a round suggestions loop such that each mother and father and youngsters can expertise the sentiments of the opposite.
Anger (rage), concern and unhappiness can generally be transmitted inside kids and their mother and father. Within the midst of the tragic losses, mother and father are attempting to be accessible and nurturing of their kids, all whereas making an attempt to regulate and try to seek out secure housing, discover new faculties, cope with 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 gaggle of different mother and father as often as doable so a few of their emotions are much less transferable to their kids. Simple for me to say, however mentioned in care and assist for many who have misplaced a lot.
Ellen Faulk, Los Angeles
The author, who holds a doctorate in psychology, works as a therapist.
..
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, probably impacting one’s bodily and psychological well-being.
Thanks, workers author Jenny Gold, for reporting on this challenge, bringing to gentle the much-needed grief assist for L.A. youth.
Because the founding father of a bereavement camp, I’ve seen that kids grieve in another way from adults. One second they’re unhappy, the following they wish to play. Loss — whether or not it’s a beloved one, dwelling, pet, college or household heirloom — can spark an emotional response.
Now greater than ever, kids in L.A. want reassurance and grief assist to assist break their isolation. I encourage the neighborhood to proceed sharing their tales and to seek out consolation with each other, particularly younger individuals. The L.A. neighborhood 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.
..
