They have lost loved ones and homes. They are trapped on rooftops and attics. Bloated dead bodies, feces and alligators float by them. Food and water is in short supply. Then there's the stench.
Hurricane Katrina survivors are taking an emotional beating and experts fear a "tremendous" number of post traumatic stress disorder cases.
"They are smelling, feeling and hearing this. This is traumatic and there's no end in sight. This is total devastation," said Dr. Kathleen Hall of Stress Institute in Georgia.
Survivors are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions, from shock, fear and anger to depression, anxiety about the future and sheer powerlessness, Hall said.
Experts fear thousands will develop post traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder that usually develops within three months of a terrifying event - such as a natural disaster - but can last a lifetime.
"It's not uncommon at all for natural disasters," Hall said. "I'm concerned about the children."
Experts said children often reflect their parents' response. If a parent is fairly calm in the face of disaster, a child will often remain calm, said Karen Olness of the Children in Disasters Project.
Boston Herald - September 01, 2005
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