CHILDREN STILL FEELING EFFECTS OF THE OMAGH BOMB
Children still feeling effects of the Omagh bomb
Study reveals troubling statistics
THE Sperrin Lakeland trust has expressed concern that many local children are still suffering post traumatic stress after the Market Street bomb of 1998.
A recent studied highlighted the fact that one third of children surveyed said that they had been trying to suppress their feelings or put them out of their minds, actions which cause emotional and mental stress and anguish.
The study, from the Trust and the Western Education and Library Board was undertaken in November of last year and involved over 4,500 children from local schools and colleges.
Of those questioned, around half were between 13 and 18 (adolescent) and the other half 8 to 13. Eight per cent of the children and 10 per cent of the adolescents were in town at the time of the bomb, 16 per cent children and 20 per cent were in the town shortly after the explosion. Forty-three percent of the children and 52 per cent had a family member or friend injured while 20 per cent of the children and 24 per cent of adolescents had a family member or friend killed.
Younger children, those in the seven to nine age group, reported higher levels of distress, with those children who were hurt or injured having the highest score in terms of trauma and depression.
The highest levels of post traumatic stress among the adolescent group were experienced by those who were in town at the time of the explosion, those who thought that they were going to die or those who saw someone whom they thought was going to die.
Hugh Mills, the chief Executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust said that he was concerned about the enduring impact of the bombing on the children and young people.
"It is through work such as this, undertaken by the Trust with the support of the Education Services, that we can best understand the impact of such tragedies. The study has already shed light on how we best we can help children and young people and their families in the wake of the bombing."
Sperrin Lakeland staff have offered assessment appointments for children and adolescents who have scored in the high ranges on the questionnaire. Parents who received a letter offering an appointment are being encouraged to being their child for assessment.
Dr Maura McDermott, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist said the findings were striking in a number of respects. "The number of children and young people who continue to be adversely affected psychologically 15 months after the bombing is significant and in keeping with what has been anticipated. Given that, to date, only 10.4 per cent of the adolescent group have come forward to help, I would encourage parents to avail of the offer of assessment to ensure that their child does not require any therapeutic intervention or help. Alternatively I would advise parents to contact the Trauma Centre to discuss any concerns they may have."
For those who wish to avail of the team's facilities, they can be contacted on Omagh 028 8225 2599, at the Bridge Centre Holmview Avenue Campsie, Omagh.
Study reveals troubling statistics
THE Sperrin Lakeland trust has expressed concern that many local children are still suffering post traumatic stress after the Market Street bomb of 1998.
A recent studied highlighted the fact that one third of children surveyed said that they had been trying to suppress their feelings or put them out of their minds, actions which cause emotional and mental stress and anguish.
The study, from the Trust and the Western Education and Library Board was undertaken in November of last year and involved over 4,500 children from local schools and colleges.
Of those questioned, around half were between 13 and 18 (adolescent) and the other half 8 to 13. Eight per cent of the children and 10 per cent of the adolescents were in town at the time of the bomb, 16 per cent children and 20 per cent were in the town shortly after the explosion. Forty-three percent of the children and 52 per cent had a family member or friend injured while 20 per cent of the children and 24 per cent of adolescents had a family member or friend killed.
Younger children, those in the seven to nine age group, reported higher levels of distress, with those children who were hurt or injured having the highest score in terms of trauma and depression.
The highest levels of post traumatic stress among the adolescent group were experienced by those who were in town at the time of the explosion, those who thought that they were going to die or those who saw someone whom they thought was going to die.
Hugh Mills, the chief Executive of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust said that he was concerned about the enduring impact of the bombing on the children and young people.
"It is through work such as this, undertaken by the Trust with the support of the Education Services, that we can best understand the impact of such tragedies. The study has already shed light on how we best we can help children and young people and their families in the wake of the bombing."
Sperrin Lakeland staff have offered assessment appointments for children and adolescents who have scored in the high ranges on the questionnaire. Parents who received a letter offering an appointment are being encouraged to being their child for assessment.
Dr Maura McDermott, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist said the findings were striking in a number of respects. "The number of children and young people who continue to be adversely affected psychologically 15 months after the bombing is significant and in keeping with what has been anticipated. Given that, to date, only 10.4 per cent of the adolescent group have come forward to help, I would encourage parents to avail of the offer of assessment to ensure that their child does not require any therapeutic intervention or help. Alternatively I would advise parents to contact the Trauma Centre to discuss any concerns they may have."
For those who wish to avail of the team's facilities, they can be contacted on Omagh 028 8225 2599, at the Bridge Centre Holmview Avenue Campsie, Omagh.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1351
Published Date: 06-Jul-00
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