The recent tragic accident at Milestone School in Dhaka's Uttara has shaken the entire nation emotionally. The loud noises, the panicked running, the crying, and the horrific scene unfolding before our eyes—all of these have left a deep emotional impact on the minds of the children.
What happens immediately after an incident is called acute stress reaction or ASR. This is not weakness; rather, it is a natural reaction of the brain. Many people become stunned after such an accident, some become unusually quiet, and some cry repeatedly in panic. Inability to sleep, nightmares, loss of appetite, or sudden anger or fear in behavior are all signs of this reaction.
Symptoms that appear
Panic or shock.
Suddenly becoming silent.
Increased crying or frequent crying.
Sleep problems and nightmares.
Reluctance to go to school.
Stomach ache, headache, or loss of appetite.
Telling or drawing the same story over and over again.
Anger, irritability, or excessive fear in behavior.
Always stick with your parents.
If these symptoms last for three to four weeks and interfere with daily functioning, it is called acute stress disorder. And if the situation does not improve with time; rather, the emotional trauma becomes chronic, then it can turn into post-traumatic stress disorder.
What parents should do
Listen and give time: Make eye contact with the child and ask—‘How are you?’, ‘Were you scared?’ Give children a chance to talk, let them talk. Don't stop them.
Acknowledge the fear: Instead of saying, "There's nothing to be afraid of," say, "I understand you're scared, I was scared too."
Monitor behavioral changes: If you notice changes in sleep, eating, behavior, or attention, seek expert advice without delay.
Establish a mental health support center in schools: In such cases, it is necessary to provide group therapy, painting, storytelling or counseling at the school level. Restoring the mental peace of students should be the top priority now.
We all want children to laugh, play, and dream. But to bring that normalcy back after an unusual, tragic accident, we first need to know how they are doing. It's not just the doctor's responsibility; it's everyone's responsibility, including mothers, fathers, teachers, and neighbors.
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