It is undeniable that weather disasters cause trauma to the people involved. It is plain common sense that upon experiencing the catastrophe, there is a large negative effect on the lives of the affected. Just why am I concerned about this? I have just observed that people, the youth especially, find it hard to cope and move on with their lives after the storm has gone. I have also learned of this cases in each disastrous calamity in the
American history.
I happen to read an article concerning the disaster coordinating council of
British Columbian Canada and its effort in helping teenagers survive the pain of having been entailed in a disaster like tornado. According to the article, young people who nearly lost their loved ones or are orphaned by calamities are apt to feel helpless and hopeless. Depending on the gravity of the damage inflicted on the youth, they may suddenly switch to behaviors that are triggered by the unbearable pain or indiscribable fear. This is understandable since while all else are hapilly seated on their homes, these young people are battling to save, if not keep, their families.
Although experts say that disaster traumas are temporary, the case is not so for all the participating youth. There are instances when some would committ suicide, or decide to waste away their lives because there is no one to live for. Some become uncommunicative, while others become utterly independent. There is also great danger in keeping the fear that develops into phobia that results in panicking behavior when triggered by similar calamities. These are just some of the reasons why psychologists volunteer to provide counselling after a tremendous
weather catastrophe has occured.
