I helped organize an totally non-lactation conference on helping families
with post traumatic stress. I think that we need to be aware of the signs of
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) while we're working with our clients.
The research presented shows that it can take from 6 to 18 months after a
significant trauma for the signs to appear.  I know that this topic is very
hot here where I live and work.  I saw one of the towers fall, drove to work
and saw smoke rising for months afterwords and still see the gap in the
skyline (I work directly across the river from the financial district in NY).
 Of course PTSD does not just apply to 9/11 - it can follow any traumatic
event, but September 11 is being widely discussed and remembered as we
approach the anniversary and the images may trigger reactions.

Some of the adult symptoms include:

agitation or nervousness
fatigue or exhaustion
appetite increase or decrease
sleep disturbance or nightmares
crying and tearfulness for no apparent reason
isolation or withdrawal from others
helplessness, powerlessness, and vulnerability
hopelessness and despair
unpredictable mood swings
repeated flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and images
preoccupation with protecting loved ones.

Dori Dorfman, MPH, IBCLC
New Jersey

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html