One year after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, parents and teachers must play a key role in helping children and teens cope with strong emotions rekindled by media coverage and commemorative ceremonies, according to leading psychiatric experts at UC Davis Medical Center.

“Children often do not verbalize their fears, so it’s important to watch closely for signs that they are unusually worried or anxious,� according to Joseph Sison, associate professor of psychiatry at UC Davis and medical director for children’s mental health services for Sacramento county. “Especially around high-stress periods such as the 9/11 anniversary, parents and teachers should take the time to talk with children, listen to their fears and reassure them.�

In some cases, renewed exposure to the violent images from 9/11 could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder -- even if the child showed no symptoms in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Key warning signs that a child is in serious distress include nightmares, restlessness, lack of focus, hyper-startle response to loud noises, and irritability.

“Even a year later, children need answers to very basic questions: ‘Am I safe? Will it happen to me?’ and ‘Are mom and dad going to be OK?’� said Sison. “They need to be assured of both their personal safety and the safety of the people they love. Children view their parents as all-powerful protectors -- and there is no need to burst their bubble.�

The 9/11 anniversary also will add to the stress many children are experiencing due to the recent intense media attention to child abductions, says Sison.

“The abductions create another reason for children to question their safety and look to their parents for reassurance. Again, it’s essential to talk with the child, help them express their fears -- and answer their concerns,� he said.

Children often worry about the safety of their parents in the aftermath of a traumatic event. For instance, a child may become so anxious in the afternoon waiting for a parent to return from work that he or she cannot focus on schoolwork. In some cases, the symptoms may become so acute that the child needs counseling.

With intensive media coverage of the anniversary expected to peak over the next few days, parents must help children and teens cope with the flood of traumatic images and discussions.

“Parents should watch what their children watch, and be there to discuss it with them,� said Sison. “Exercise caution in what you and your children watch and avoid over-exposure to the more tragic and traumatic images of 9/11, which could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder.�

The 9/11 commemoration presents special challenges for Sacramento’s large population of refugees, who may have experienced serious psychological trauma prior to coming to the United States due to civil unrest or persecution, according to Robert Hales, medical director of mental health services for the County of Sacramento and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis School of Medicine.

“Many refugees have arrived in Sacramento after surviving extremely traumatic situations, hoping to find a safe haven here,� said Hales. “With exposure to the 9/11 anniversary, they may lose that sense of safety and begin to relive very intensely the fear and uncertainty that they experienced, perhaps on the other side of the world and completely unconnected to the 9/11 attacks.�

While focusing on the needs of children, it’s also important for parents, teachers and all adults to care for their own emotional needs, he said. Keys to overcoming these fears include:

* Acknowledging the problem. If an individual is experiencing high levels of anxiety, it is essential to accept the fact that he or she has a problem that must be addressed.

* Talking. By expressing your feelings, it is often possible to gain a more positive perspective and reduce anxiety.

* Honoring the heroes and victims. Find an event or special way to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 in order to direct your feelings in an appropriate way.

* Doing good. Make a 9/11 resolution to support a favorite community cause and turn negative feelings into something positive.