Coping with stress

People react in different ways when threatened.

Typical reactions include:

• anger,
• insomnia,
• nightmares,
• dementia,
• need to talk,
• loss of appetite,
• weight gain or loss,
• headaches,
• mood swings.

Try to act as follows:

• keep fit,
• talk to family and friends,
• reassure children that they are safe,
• answer children’s questions simply, directly and honestly,
• encourage children to express their feelings,
• reach out to others.