Consequences of Stress-Week 4

I have a second cousin, Brooke, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 2. She also had a fraternal twin, Cassie, which made the situation more complicated. The disease not only impacted the Brooke, it also had an affect on her sister. It was a year and a half long journey of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and therapy. Both children suffered extreme attachment problems since the twins had never been apart before. Because of their age they could not understand why they couldn't be together. Cassie was raised mainly by her grandparents while her parents were in the hospital which caused more attachment problems. This also led her to become slightly spoiled because everyone did not want to further upset her since she was already separated from her parents and sister so there was little discipline. For Brooke, she underwent several painful treatments and suffered tremendous sickness. Because of the location of the tumor she did have to receive therapy to regain her motor skills. This caused her frustration because she would see her sister do an activity, but she could not do the same thing. She still has some trouble walking because of damage done while removing the tumor. Though she has been cancer free for seven years, both girls become extremely anxious the weeks leading up to her annual brain scan. They have trouble sleeping and eating. Though they were young when this happened, the feeling of being separated still lingers today.  This disease caused stress on the entire family and impacted the physical development of Brooke and the emotional development of both children.

The entire world hears about natural disasters several times throughout the world. It seems every time I watch the news there is a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, flooding, landslides, and so many more some where in the world. While it is easy to think about the immediate impact on children physically, we also must think of how this will change them permanently. Children who experience a natural disaster whether it is massive or even minor can carry those memories and be scarred for life. After a natural disaster, children will likely experience a degree of poverty, hunger, noise, chaos, disease, environmental pollution, and possibly violence. Areas of natural disasters can be hectic and chaotic and it could be a while before a child has a stable environment again. This will cause stress and will have a life long impact on development. I have never considered the long term consequences of natural disasters on children and now wish there was more I could do to help those who have lived through these horrible experiences.