The perspective of Catholic psychologists underscores the importance of honesty, watchfulness, and faith in aiding children's recovery from traumatic experiences.
In the wake of recent tragic events, such as the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis on August 27 and the targeted killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, the importance of understanding trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth has never been more significant.
Two clinical psychologists, Robert J. Wicks and James Black, have offered valuable insights into this complex issue.
Robert J. Wicks, author of "Bounce: Living the Resilient Life" and professor emeritus at Loyola University Maryland, emphasises that trauma and death can be great psychological and spiritual koans (puzzles) in life, producing a deep sense of loss and disruption. However, he also notes that there's an opening to healing amid such dark moments, and how we go through that opening with children is key.
Wicks highlights the evolving needs of growing children as they recover from trauma. Young children require support and nurturing, and sayings like "they're in a better place" may not be helpful. Instead, listening to young people and helping them live life to the fullest is important during recovery. Teens, in particular, need to be able to share their concerns and difficulties during this process.
Teens recovering from trauma may not respond well to spiritual romanticism or quick supports. Modeling acceptance of pain as a mentor, parent, or friend can help those suffering feel more open with themselves and with God. Wicks also stresses the importance of considering the existing resiliency factors in a child's life, such as feeling supported, loved, and cared for, and having a history of a stable and safe environment.
James Black, the director of the youth services division at Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, adds that changes in behaviour, such as sleep disruption, appetite disruption, acting-out behaviour, aggression, changes in mood, isolation, depression, or anxiety, are warning signs in children recovering from traumatic events. In the case of the Annunciation shooting, trauma could manifest in various ways among families of the children who were killed, injured children, children close to those killed or injured, and children who were not present but knew the victims.
The concept of post-traumatic growth embraces the initial array of negative emotions surrounding loss and death, which may also be the seeds of new life. Providing an accepting and safe environment for children or adults to express any emotion, including anger at God, can help facilitate post-traumatic growth. Wicks cites a poignant example from an encounter he had in Lebanon with a Marist brother ministering in war-torn Aleppo, Syria, who was asked by a young volunteer why violence had scarred her life despite her faith.
In conclusion, understanding trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth is crucial in helping children and young people heal from tragic events. By providing a supportive, loving, and accepting environment, and by listening to their concerns and difficulties, we can help them navigate through the dark moments and emerge stronger and more resilient.
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