Tackling flood-related trauma among youth
Youth need support
An expert has cautioned that the floods in northern Namibia have traumatised young Namibians and led to some experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Theresia Lucas
Windhoek
The ongoing floods in the northern regions of Namibia represent a traumatic and devastating time for many young Namibians.
According to Simon Taukeni, a professor of education and health psychology at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), a common aftermath of a natural disaster such as floods is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Children who have PTSD are more likely to have a limited ability to function in social groups, and this may include family as well. Children exposed to floods are likely to develop feelings of insecurity, anxiety, disruptive behaviour, irrational fears and phobias, and somatic symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
Affected children can also exhibit signs of school phobia and a decline in academic performance. “Due to these possible effects, one of our goals for the 2011 flood research was to ascertain the extent to which children were affected so that appropriate intervention may be implemented,” the professor said.
Combatting the effects
When asked what adults can do to support the youth, Taukeni said: “Each of the professionals knows when, how and what to do to support the affected youth and children. I cannot prescribe what a life skills teacher should do or what a pastor should do. They know their work very well. Let them help support our children and build resilience and hope.”
He said with every problem, both negative and positive effects are present, advising that it is important to focus - as much as possible - on the advantages, even though it may seem difficult amid this disaster.
There are several opportunities the nation can explore, like building earth dams and fish ponds for floodwater, as well as acquiring boats and other means of crossing the water, he said.
He added that teachers should explore various teaching approaches, new methods, alternative teaching aids, and an overall mind shift.
For the learners
Taukeni encouraged the affected youth to keep their dreams alive and not succumb to their current situation.
“Remember that your dreams have nothing to do with the floods. Some of your dreams are about becoming doctors, nurses, accountants, pastors and many other things. Keep those dreams alive.”
Finally, the professor suggested that teachers receive a ‘flood-affected teachers’ allowance’ because the disaster demands creativity and innovation from them as well.
Windhoek
The ongoing floods in the northern regions of Namibia represent a traumatic and devastating time for many young Namibians.
According to Simon Taukeni, a professor of education and health psychology at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), a common aftermath of a natural disaster such as floods is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Children who have PTSD are more likely to have a limited ability to function in social groups, and this may include family as well. Children exposed to floods are likely to develop feelings of insecurity, anxiety, disruptive behaviour, irrational fears and phobias, and somatic symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
Affected children can also exhibit signs of school phobia and a decline in academic performance. “Due to these possible effects, one of our goals for the 2011 flood research was to ascertain the extent to which children were affected so that appropriate intervention may be implemented,” the professor said.
Combatting the effects
When asked what adults can do to support the youth, Taukeni said: “Each of the professionals knows when, how and what to do to support the affected youth and children. I cannot prescribe what a life skills teacher should do or what a pastor should do. They know their work very well. Let them help support our children and build resilience and hope.”
He said with every problem, both negative and positive effects are present, advising that it is important to focus - as much as possible - on the advantages, even though it may seem difficult amid this disaster.
There are several opportunities the nation can explore, like building earth dams and fish ponds for floodwater, as well as acquiring boats and other means of crossing the water, he said.
He added that teachers should explore various teaching approaches, new methods, alternative teaching aids, and an overall mind shift.
For the learners
Taukeni encouraged the affected youth to keep their dreams alive and not succumb to their current situation.
“Remember that your dreams have nothing to do with the floods. Some of your dreams are about becoming doctors, nurses, accountants, pastors and many other things. Keep those dreams alive.”
Finally, the professor suggested that teachers receive a ‘flood-affected teachers’ allowance’ because the disaster demands creativity and innovation from them as well.
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