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Supporting
Children and Teens After a Homicide or a Murder One of the most difficult types of death to cope with is murder. The death
is completely sudden and leaves family, friends and communities shattered feeling helpless and not knowing what to do. Sometimes
the person is missing for a time and in this situation often people have two death dates that they remember. The first one
is the date the person was found missing and the second when the body was discovered. Normal reactions are anger, fear, confusion and shock. It is one of the hardest things for a family
to cope with. If you have suffered this loss I am so very sorry that you are having to go through with this. Many things
that are common for families who have to deal with this tragedy are a feeling of not being safe. Many wonder what it was like
for their loved one to have been murdered. Did they know they were going to die? What was he thinking about in those last
moments? It is comforting to know that most likely it all happened so fast that the person had no time to think that she would
die. It is normal
to worry about if the person was in pain. Many survivors of accidents talk about not feeling anything as their body was in
shock initially. Many family members and friends can't get the images of the violence out of their heads, whether or not they
saw it happen. Many talk about visualizing the act step by step in their head like a horror movie. Some dream about such images.
However usually what we imagine is often far worse. Some feel guilty that they should have been able to save the person from
death. If only you had known. You think if only you hadn't gone to work that day or out to dinner. Remember that no one can
anticipate such a tragedy. Many wait for the murderer to get caught and brought to trial. Pass on any information you
have to the police. No Behavioral
reactions that often follow an abnormal event may end up supporting maladaptive coping strategies and lead to anxiety disorders
such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and acute and post-traumatic stress disorders. The
following reactions may require intensive clinical treatment if they do not abate over the next 30 days:
Helpful Suggestions for teens who have suffered a loss through murder: Look
for a support group for the families of murder victims or a good counselor. ( Union County,NJ Homicide Survivors see bereavement support 2 on this web site for more information) Learn
about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (see below) Talk about what you are going through
with someone safe. Seeking a counselor is helpful as many times sharing too many details with friends can possibly cause them
to have "vicarious trauma". Share your anxiety with others in your family. Be open and communicate. Remember that feelings can be quite intense after a murder.
The feelings of shock, disbelief and numbness may mix with anger, guilt and panic. Find helpful ways to cope such as writing
in a journal, calling someone, walking the dog, exercising, crying, screaming into a pillow, taking a nap, breathing, yoga,
ripping up old phone books, throwing bean bags, music, art, etc. Write a letter to your loved one telling them all of your feelings. Write about your anger at the
murderer, your regrets for not doing something to save her from this. Write about your sadness about not having him in your
life anymore. Put your letter in the casket or tie it to a helium balloon and let it go. Write a letter to the murderer, expressing all of your pent
up anger. Rip it up, shred it, burn it or nail it to a board and beat it with a hammer. Read a book about coping with the trauma of murder. Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) An emotional and psychological
reaction to trauma caused by a painful and shocking experience. When the death of someone close to you is sudden and
violent the stress it causes may show up weeks or months later. The death could be from suicide, homicide, a plane crash,
auto accident or even a heart attack. Signs of PTSD: Recurring memories or images that are intrusive and interrupt your home, school, work or leisure time. Recurring nightmares about the event. Flashbacks and hallucinations Intense anxiety whenever you hear about
a similar event Avoidance of any feelings or thoughts concerning the death Avoidance of any activities or situations that would remind you of the death Preoccupation with the death many months
after it occurred. Over-idealization of the deceased and of your relationship that continue for too long a time and too intensely Lack of recall; blank spots in your memory A significant decrease in your interest in normal activities either at home,
work or at school Depression combined with increased feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness Detachment and withdrawal from your friends and family. Feelings of survivor guilt mixed with self destructive
behavior. Inability to experience
emotions, to feel happy, or to love anyone Avoidance of close relationships out of fear that you will be left alone again. Being overwhelmed with emotions, feeling tense, angry, scared and out of control Feeling that you have no future, no ability to date,
marry or have a career Problems
with drugs and alcohol New problems
such as falling asleep, difficulty in staying asleep, sleeping too much Irritability or outburst of anger
directed at your family, friends, teachers, boss, drivers on the road Difficulty in concentrating on things you usually enjoy, such as music, reading, sports Being easily startled, jumping at any unusual or loud
noise Experiencing cold sweats,
rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or other physical symptoms whenever you are reminded of the death. adapted from Helen Fitzgerald,
The Grieving Teen What you can do: Most of these symptoms are normal considering that
you have just experienced a traumatic event in your life. Most symptoms usually go fade away in a few days or weeks. However
they can also be a sign that you are experiencing more trouble especially if these are lasting more than 4 weeks. Keep
a log of your symptoms and their occurrences and how long they lasted. If it is more than a week, it is probably a good idea
for you to talk to someone about your concerns. Young people do well by talking to their parents, teachers, school counselor
or school nurse who can often recommend a therapist who specializes in PTSD. Often they may suggest individual therapy, family
therapy, group therapy and possibly medication or other helpful techniques such as EMDR. Responding to Tragedy in a Child's
Life Ways you can help:
Senseless violence is hard for everyone to understand
(even grownups). Doing things that you enjoy may help as does
following your regular routine as much as possible now, being with friends and family, pets, can help us to feel better. Sometimes people do
bad things that hurt others. They may be unable
to handle their anger, may be suffering from untreated mentally illness, may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Violence is never a
solution to personal problems Let children know that help is available and there are alternatives to suicide, violence and mental illness Recognize
Students at Risk: Exposure: the closer a child was to the location of a threatening and/or frightening event, and the longer
the exposure, the greater the chances of sever distress. So children who live near the event location are at greater
risk than those who live farther away. The length of exposure is extended by repeated images on the television regardless
of location. Relationship: Having relationships with the victim
or victims of a disaster is strongly associated with psychological distress. The stronger the child's relationships
with the victim(s), the greater the likelihood of severe distress. Initial reactions: How children first respond to trauma will greatly influence how effectively they deal with stress in the aftermath. Also: Teach
coping skills in dealing with stress: Learn
ways to relax. Find places that allow you to feel safe. Be with safe people. Learn to meditate, breathe, walk in the
park, listen to music, go to your church, temple or mosque, go to the library. Take care of your physical needs. Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water. Try to get enough exercise and
rest. Stay involved with friends, family, school or work.
Keep on schedule and stick to old routines as well as you can. Accept
hugs, if that is okay for you. Physical contact at a time of isolation can be healing. Spend time with a pet if that helps.
Grandparents can be a great source of comfort for many children and teens. Doing normal things helps children feel safe. Helpful Books For
young children: A Terrible Thing Happened by
Margaret Holmes. Sherman is anxious and angry after he experiences something terrible and learns to talk about it. (
great resource for young children who have witnessed or who have images of something traumatic happening around them, fire,
homicide, suicide, flood, car accident etc.) Cohen, J (1994) Why Did it Happen? New York: Morrow Junior Books. This is a story about a boy who witnesses
a violent crime in his neighborhood. The author provides ways to cope. Ages 6-11 Dougy Center (2001) After a Murder: A Workbook for Grieving Children. Portland,
Or. The Dougy Center. An interactive workbook for children experiencing a murder and the many issues that surround it.
Ages 8-12 Schleifer, J (1998) When
Someone You Know Has Been Killed, New York: Rosen Publishing Group. This book discusses the emotions felt when
someone experiences a murder and strategies to cope. Ages 10-teens. The Grieving Child by Helen Fitzgerald Hard
Work Journal: A guided workbook for coping with homicidal loss and grief by Wanda Henry-Jenkins Written by a woman whose mother was murdered. When asked how she got through her
loss she tells people "God and writing". This is a workbook because mourning the loss of a loved one is hard work.
Many bereaved people who have made the choice to heal will admit that grief work is hard work. A Centering Corp Resource Healing Your Traumatized Heart: 100 Practical Ideas after
someone you love dies a sudden, violent death For
those who grieve after a homicide, suicide or accidental death. by Alan Wolfelt Fire
in My Heart, Ice In My Veins: A journal for teenagers experiencing loss by Enid Samuel Traisman, A Centering
Corp Resource The Grieving Teen: A Guide for
Teenagers and Their Friends by Helen Fitzgerald What to do When the Police Leave: A Guide for the First
Days of Traumatic Loss by Bill Jenkins (Homicide,
Suicide, Car Crash, Tragic Accident, A Victim's Father Addresses the Special Needs of Traumatic Loss with Insight and Sensitivity A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone
You Love by Kathleen O'Hara, MA (therapist and
mother of a college age son who was brutally murdered on Memorial Day 1999. She developed a 7 stage journey that is at the
heart of this book. She offers concrete, practical and compassionate steps for those who are grieving and steps for family
and friends. When Bad Things Happen to Good People by
Harold Kushner Support Groups: Survivors of Murdered Children: Essex County Prof run, mutual support and understanding for families and friends who have lost a loved
one to murder. Guest speakers, advocacy, speakers' bureau, social and buddy system. Meets 2nd Friday, 6:30pm ECHOES,
The Grief Center, 116 Main Street, Orange. Call Beverly Henderson 973-675-1199 Union County: Homicide Survivors: Prof run. Provides
support to family members and friends of homicide victims. Rap sessions and guest speakers. Meets 3rd Mon 7:15-9pm (except
July Aug) Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, Rahway, Call Elaine O'Neal 908-527-4596 (day) National Support: Parents of Murdered Children, Inc
(POMC) National over 230 chapters in US. Self help support organization for the family and friends of those who
have died by violence. Newsletter published 3 times a year. Court accompaniment also provided by many chapters. Parole
Block Program and Second Opinion Service also available. Offers assistance in starting local chapters. Write Parents
of Murdered Children 100 E Eighth St, Suite 202, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Call 1-888-818-7662 web site: www.pomc.org
email: natlpomc@aol.com |
www.griefspeaks.com Contact Lisa at: lisa@griefspeaks.com
(973) 912-0177