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Early pictures from the Christchurch earthquake - Source: ONE News -
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Days after the big earthquake struck, lingering aftershocks in Canterbury are leaving many residents on the edge.
Like many, Avonside resident Barbara Barr is still reliving the terror she felt on Saturday morning.
She told ONE News she is too scared to sleep at nights.
"It was very scary for me because I was in the place on my own trying to scream out for help."
Others say last nights aftershocks have made things worse.
"I don't feel safe in Christchurch anymore. I mean who knows this could've opened up something this could be regular you know. It's a fear, a real fear," said resident Dain Edgeworth.
Experts say repeated aftershocks are delaying people's recovery.
They say shock, fear, anger and sadness are all normal reactions to a traumatic experience such as the Canterbury earthquake.
The brain's normal ability to deal with the initial trauma has been compromised by the fact it never really goes away but keeps coming back again and again.
Trauma Counsellor Struan Duthie says talking about the last few days is the best therapy for adults and kids.
"They're getting it out of the part of the brain that holds feelings into the part of the brain that holds rational thought."
Ministry of Education tips
The Ministry of Education has released guidelines for dealing with children and teenagers traumatised by the Canterbury earthquake.
They suggests parents be truthful about possible aftershocks but avoid details that may further frighten young people.
The Ministry says parents and caregivers are urged to ask children how they are feeling about the incident.
Most children will be coping well with the effects of the earthquake but warn some may suffer from anxiety which may result in children thumb sucking or bed wetting.
Parents of children with sleeping issues are advised to let children sleep with them or sleep close to their children.
Writing down worries and putting them in a worry box, re-enacting scenes from the event and talking openly about experiences are all encouraged in the Ministry report.
How do rate the Civil Defence response to the quake?
Have your say on the messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentmusopete said on 2010-09-10 @ 12:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Go the Kiwi battler! Hold ya heads high.
Australianne said on 2010-09-10 @ 11:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
2nd that about the light font...it is difficult to read. Just wanted to say I'm so proud of NZers for the way in which they've pulled together in such a uniquely Kiwi way. No other country (even Australia) comes close to that! Well, maybe Australia comes close, but still, Kiwis lead the world in their kind-hearted attitude in the face of disaster.
H said on 2010-09-10 @ 10:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
Would love to comment but the comments are displayed on this website in such a tiny, light coloured font that they're virtually unreadable.
SSAMA said on 2010-09-10 @ 07:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
CD has done a great job in difficult circumstances - difficult to get up to date info to people without power. Website I have found most useful for info is the TVNZ live updates - great that it is updated regularly and the info is generally accurate. Well done TVNZ
Australianne said on 2010-09-09 @ 20:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
Given that TVNZ is probably a world leader in their ability to keep us all informed after the earthquake, CD has done an ok job. But note, that is 'ok', not 'wonderful'. CD should link up with TVNZ and learn how to get that info out in a timely manner! This is more a pat on the back to TVNZ than having a go at CD. I'm sure they have lots of other duties keeping them busy. Keep it up guys. Well done.