For people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), experiencing another incident like the death of a loved one or pet, a natural disaster or some other ancillary event, can trigger and exacerbate the condition.

Remember the re-experiencing or reliving the incident are hallmarks of PTSD. After a recent earthquake, my daughter talked about it for days afterward, and would rock her bed to simulate it. For people with PTSD, this type of recreating of events is commonplace.

If possible, try to have a more relaxed schedule in the days following the precipitating event. The stress of trying to hurry about can make a difficult time even harder. Use the time to allow your child to absorb the event, and process it. Being at home more often, in familiar surrounding, in the days and weeks after a traumatic experience can help give your child the space and time needed, before going back to “normal” scheduling.

While curtailing extra-curricular activities, be sure to spend quality time with your child, reassuring him or her. Make sure your child knows s/he is safe, and loved. Allow your child to be a bit more “clingy” if needed.

Try to keep routines routine! Go to bed at the same time, get up at the same time, eat at the normal times. Predictability and routine are so helpful in making children feel secure. Because the recent earthquake happened AT bedtime, and because it was the first they had ever experienced, we allowed the children to stay up a little later with us, because it was clear they needed to process it. However, as much as is possible, stay to prescribed routines.

Because we are talking about those who already have a diagnosis of PTSD, you will most likely want to consult your therapist for guidance should another traumatic event occur.

Here are some additional resources for trauma and disaster (though none are specific to those who already have PTSD):

Reactions and Guidelines For Children Following Trauma/Disaster

Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death

APA Help Center

Red Cross

About.com

AdoptionBlogs