Thessaly’s Children: From Despair to Repair

In the wake of the devastating flash flooding that struck Thessaly, Greece earlier this month, the region is grappling with the arduous task of restoring its schools while simultaneously tending to the emotional wounds of its children. Experts emphasise that the trauma experienced by these young minds in the wake of such an epic disaster requires immediate and ongoing support.

The trauma inflicted upon children in Thessaly is immeasurable. They were witnesses to unspeakable fear, their homes submerged in water, their parents consumed by despair, and the mournful cries of friends and relatives echoing around them. Some even lost their loved ones, while others grappled with the shocking news of these tragic losses. Their world crumbled before their eyes, and the sense of normalcy they once knew has been shattered.

"...parents should be vigilant."

Sissy Hatzichristou, Prof. School Pychology, Univeristy of Athens

Sissy Hatzichristou, a professor of School Psychology at the University of Athens and director of the institution's School Psychology Laboratory, emphasises the urgent need for support, saying, "After such a natural disaster, as in Thessaly, children need support because they experience a strongly traumatic event. Depending on the age of the child, mental disorders may appear, and parents should be vigilant."

Thessaly, home to 88,227 students and 10,027 permanent teachers across 1,036 school units, faces the daunting task of reopening schools while ensuring that the school community, especially the children, can navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. Mrs. Hatzichristou asserts, "The school is the framework that, in difficult periods, functions as a support for the learning and psychosocial adaptation of the students. Parents, teachers, relatives, and friends can help children and teenagers gradually cope with the difficult situation."

The School Psychology Laboratory has provided guidelines to teachers in Thessaly, recognising that sharing such a traumatic experience can be a complex process. While it may provide solace for some students, others may struggle internally, leading to various emotions and behaviours such as anger, sadness, fear, disengagement, challenge, and withdrawal. The key is to acknowledge these feelings, observe their fluctuations, and avoid pressuring students who find participation difficult.

Understanding the Aftermath: How Trauma May Manifest in Children

Children and adolescents who have endured the trauma of a natural disaster may exhibit disorganised behaviours and intense stress, manifesting in various ways:

- Preschool-age children may resort to finger-sucking, bedwetting, clinginess to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regressive behaviour, and withdrawal from friends.

- School-age children might display irritability, aggression, attachment to parents, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from activities and friends, and disinterest in lessons.

- Adolescents could experience sleep and eating disorders, agitation, increased conflict, physical discomfort, challenging behaviour, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of interest in learning and group activities.

The Road Ahead

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the 1st Ministry of Health and the Center for Child Mental Health, initiated information meetings in the four capitals of Thessaly's prefectures. These meetings aimed to provide support for teachers, parents, and guardians in managing crises, stress, and traumatic stress. Specialised psychologists held face-to-face meetings with a total participation of 680 people, including education executives, psychologists, and social workers. This psychological support program will continue throughout the school year with various interventions and educational materials.

Despite these efforts, the Minister of Education, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has cautioned that some schools in Thessaly may remain closed for months due to the extent of the damage. With 88,000 children and 1,000 school units at stake, decisions regarding school operations are imminent. The possibility of co-housing school units and redirecting students to neighbouring schools is being explored.

As Thessaly races to rebuild its schools, the scars of trauma on its children run deep. The emotional support provided by parents, teachers, and mental health professionals will be essential in helping these young minds cope and heal. The road to recovery is long, but with unwavering support, there is hope that Thessaly's children can find strength in unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

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