Shocked By Steve Irwin's Death: You're Not Alone
Steve Irwin’s tragic, accidental death may be causing secondary trauma to both children and adults.
Boerne, TX, (PRWEB) September 7, 2006
The world was shocked at the news that environmentalist and Animal Planet star, Steve Irwin, was killed by a stingray while diving. People continue to be shaken by the grim details of his untimely death. Therapist Cynthia McKenna says, “The news of Irwin’s death may be traumatizing for adults and children alike.”
Cynthia McKenna, therapist and owner of Cynthia McKenna Counseling and Life Coaching, works with adults who have been affected by traumatic events. “We are not surprised when people are traumatized after being involved in a traumatic event like a car accident or violent crime,” explains McKenna, “But we are less familiar with secondary or vicarious trauma, which can occur when a person sees or hears about a traumatic event.” McKenna continues, “Watching graphic news reports, violent movies, and even reading graphic details can be traumatic. The trauma does not happen directly to you, but you feel its effects.”
Symptoms of secondary trauma can include:
Anxiety
Feeling depressed or sad
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Feeling unusually tired, having body aches or headaches
Anger
Emotional exhaustion
Increase in addictive behaviors
A person is more prone to secondary trauma if they are stressed, or not taking good care of themselves. If you are experiencing the symptoms of secondary trauma, it is a good idea to look at your life in terms of balance. Do you have a good balance of work and play? Do you get enough social interaction and solitude? Are you exercising regularly? Do you spend sufficient time relaxing? Are you eating healthful meals most of the time? “If you are not taking care of yourself, and the unexpected happens, you are much more likely to be disturbed by the traumatic event,” says McKenna.
People are talking about Steve Irwin’s death, and the loss they feel, and that is a good thing. “Talking about a disturbing event is really helpful and can reduce the impact of the event,” according to McKenna. Adults can talk with friends, co-workers, or family members.
Parents can help reduce the impact of the trauma by talking with their children about Irwin’s death. Listen to what they say, how they are feeling. Ask them if they are worried about his death. It is normal for kids to feel upset over Irwin’s death. They may work out some of their feelings as they play with their toys. “Children can work through a lot of feelings through play,” says McKenna.
For more information on the effects of trauma visit: http://www. cynthiamckenna. com/articles/trauma. htm (http://www. cynthiamckenna. com/articles/trauma. htm)
Contact Cynthia McKenna, LPC, NCC
Cynthia McKenna Counseling and Life Coaching
(210) 557-1715
Www. cynthiamckenna. com
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