California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists Offers Tips on How to Cope With a Traum...( SAN DIEGO Oct. 25 /- The 2007 Sou...),Health

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2007 Southern California wildfires have disrupted the lives of millions of residents. This crisis can have a tremendous impact on a person emotionally and physically, including feelings of being displaced, anxious, and overwhelmed. Many have had to evacuate immediately, leaving behind their homes, pets and personal possessions, wondering if their lives will ever be the same. Aside to evacuees being affected, family and friends, media, volunteers and firefighters are also exposed to this stressful situation. Surviving a traumatic event can have a significant impact to a person's overall emotional well-being.

"None of us are fully emotionally prepared to deal with traumatic events," said Enid Singer, San Diego-based licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. "Several stages of emotions will occur during and after this crisis. It may take months or years for people to fully recover emotionally, physically, and financially."

During this devastating time, it is normal for adults and children to experience fear, sadness, guilt, and anger, as well as loss. Adults need to pay attention to how they are expressing and handling their emotions. Children are often influenced by their parent's reaction, and it is critical for adults to model healthy coping strategies. The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) provides tips on how to cope with loss and grief, and how to restore control during and after this traumatic experience:

-- Recognize your pain. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have

encountered

-- Communicate with your children. Acknowledge their worries and encourage

them to express their feelings, as well as reassure them that they are

safe.

-- Minimize your exposure to the media. Watching fire-related news

programs may increase your anxiety and fear.

-- Gain a sense of control. Maintain your routines as much as possible,