OMAGH VICTIMS TURN TO TRAUMA COUNSELLORS
Omagh victims turn to trauma counsellors
By Martin Anderson
TRAUMA counsellors in Omagh have reported a surge in post traumatic stress cases as many of those affected by the tragedy six months ago find it increasingly difficult to cope.
Michael Duffy, co-ordinator of the town's Trauma and Recovery Team, says many people have tried to deal with the trauma on their own but after six months of denial and avoidance the pressure has become too much.
"Up to now we've seen 390 people and that's quite a large number given that a lot of people who suffer from post traumatic stress problems don't really emerge for six months after such an event," he said.
"We have noticed since Christmas that the number of referrals we have been getting has been on the increase and the cases are more severe because people have been trying to deal with their difficulties up to now without counselling or therapeutic help."
He said many people are unable to deal with the extreme emotions stirred up by the bombing and shut down or go into denial.
"Some people try and put a lid on that volcano," he said. "But eventually the volcano will erupt and that happens in the form of flashbacks and nightmares."
To try a deal with the trauma, Mr Duffy's team of counsellors have to encourage people to dig the memories up and help them come to terms with them.
"By fully accepting their experiences they can then psychologically adapt to them and move on. People will not forget what happened in Omagh on the 15th of August, but in time people will be able to adjust and move.
The specific circumstances of what happened in Omagh has also presented special problems for the counselling team.
"There are certain features of this bomb which are unusual. One is the large number of children and young people who have been effected. So far we have seen 112 children from as young as two years old and it is quite distressing for parents to see young children not coping."
Mr Duffy feels if anything the Omagh tragedy has brought to light the work of the trauma teams.
By Martin Anderson
TRAUMA counsellors in Omagh have reported a surge in post traumatic stress cases as many of those affected by the tragedy six months ago find it increasingly difficult to cope.
Michael Duffy, co-ordinator of the town's Trauma and Recovery Team, says many people have tried to deal with the trauma on their own but after six months of denial and avoidance the pressure has become too much.
"Up to now we've seen 390 people and that's quite a large number given that a lot of people who suffer from post traumatic stress problems don't really emerge for six months after such an event," he said.
"We have noticed since Christmas that the number of referrals we have been getting has been on the increase and the cases are more severe because people have been trying to deal with their difficulties up to now without counselling or therapeutic help."
He said many people are unable to deal with the extreme emotions stirred up by the bombing and shut down or go into denial.
"Some people try and put a lid on that volcano," he said. "But eventually the volcano will erupt and that happens in the form of flashbacks and nightmares."
To try a deal with the trauma, Mr Duffy's team of counsellors have to encourage people to dig the memories up and help them come to terms with them.
"By fully accepting their experiences they can then psychologically adapt to them and move on. People will not forget what happened in Omagh on the 15th of August, but in time people will be able to adjust and move.
The specific circumstances of what happened in Omagh has also presented special problems for the counselling team.
"There are certain features of this bomb which are unusual. One is the large number of children and young people who have been effected. So far we have seen 112 children from as young as two years old and it is quite distressing for parents to see young children not coping."
Mr Duffy feels if anything the Omagh tragedy has brought to light the work of the trauma teams.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0499
Published Date: 11-Feb-99
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