Principles for Conducting a Supportive Conversation

Crisis and disaster events can evoke overwhelming emotions: anxiety, anger, uncertainty, helplessness, and a sense of threat to our basic safety and security. In addition, for some the events may provoke earlier traumatic memories from a similar situation and/or intensify preexisting emotional difficulties. Crisis events undermine the sense that we have control over our lives, harm social resilience, and raise levels of anxiety and emotional distress among all of us: children, youth, and adults alike. At times, the emotional overload can paralyze us, leading us to close ourselves off and avoid contact with others. However, talking about our most difficult fears and disturbing thoughts can bring a great sense of relief during times of emotional distress.