Coping during and after kidnapping

The recent wave of kidnappings in Tanzania, of both minors and adults is shocking.

Scores of people have been kidnaped in the past few years. Some have never been found to date.

The latest high profile kidnapping was of the billionaire businessman Mohammed Dewji, who was found alive yesterday after about eight days in captivity. Many others, including journalist Azory Gwanda, political activist Ben Saanane have not been found.

Unanswered questions continue to linger on who is behind the kidnaping and what their motives are.

But even more important is the issue of how families can cope during the kidnapping as well as how the victim could be helped to regain their balance when they are released by the kidnappers.

Effects of kidnaping

In general terms, the psychological impact of being taken hostage is similar to that of being exposed to other trauma, including terrorist incidents and disasters for adults and children.

Cognitive

Impaired memory and concentration; confusion and disorientation; intrusive thoughts (‘flashbacks’) and memories; denial (i.e. that the event has happened); hypervigilance and hyperarousal (a state of feeling too aroused, with a profound fear of another incident);

Emotional

Shock and numbness; fear and anxiety (but panic is not common); helplessness and hopelessness; dissociation (feeling numb and ‘switched off’ emotionally); anger (at anybody – perpetrators, themselves and the authorities); anhedonia (loss of pleasure in doing that which was previously pleasurable); depression (a reaction to loss); guilt (at having survived if others died, and for being taken hostage); Social: withdrawal; irritability; avoidance (of reminders of the event).

Denial (a complete or partial failure to acknowledge what has really happened) has often been maligned as a response to extreme stress, but it has survival value (at least in the short term) by allowing the individual a delayed period during which he/she has time to adjust to a painful reality.

Physical effects

Hostages are likely to have to endure, particularly during sustained periods of captivity, an exacerbation of pre-existent physical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. Also, the detention itself may generate new conditions due to a lack of the basics of healthy living, such as a nutritious diet, warmth, exercise, fresh air and sleep.

When hostages are released, it is essential for them to receive medical attention; Be in a safe and secure environment; Connect with loved ones; Have an opportunity to talk or journal their experience if and when they choose; Receive resources and information about how to seek counseling, particularly if their distress from the incident is interfering with their daily lives; Protect their privacy (avoid media overexposure including watching and listening to news and participating in media interviews); Take time to adjust back into family and work.

Family and friends can support survivors by listening, being patient and focusing on their freedom instead of engaging in negative talk about the captors.

Coping with abduction of loved one

Many families going through a kidnapping experience sleep problems. Lack of sleep can lead to a number of side effects that make it even more difficult for you to manage the kidnapping. There are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep patterns, such a avoiding activities that will stimulate your brain before bedtime, having a regular time for bed, and avoiding alcohol which can interrupt your sleep further.

Nutrition and health

When you are under stress, it is important that your body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly. Making a point of eating healthy nutritious food is one of the simplest ways to alleviate stress.

It can’t remove it entirely, but it can help to reduce its impact on you. There are some foods that can be helpful. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Fish is a memory booster, and fish such as mackerel contains omega fatty acids that are good for your heart. Yoghurts provide minerals including calcium, essential to maintain well functioning nerve impulses.

Calcium also contains lactobacillus, which is essential for maintaining effective gut flora (micro organisms that help you to digest food properly). Herbal items such as Dandelion, Chamomile, and Passion flower to name but a few, will relax both the body and mind. To keep stress to a minimum, design a meal plan for the day that incorporates a big meal in the morning, something relatively light for lunch and another light meal in the evening.

Certain foods and drinks can aggravate stress. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid some of them completely, just consume them in moderation.

Foods and drinks that can trigger and aggravate stress include tea, coffee, cocoa and energy drinks; fast foods and takeaways; butter and cheese; meat and shellfish; carbonated soft drinks; sugar; alcohol; almonds, macadamias and other nuts.

Exercise and keeping fit

Exercise can help to reduce stress levels. It can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration, and enhance your overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.

Routine and social support

While your loved one is being held hostage, you might feel like your life is on hold.

Some aspects of your normal routine might be affected, and you might not feel like doing some of the things you would normally enjoy. It is important to maintain a routine as it will bring structure to your life at this difficult time. It is also important to maintain friendships so you have social support structures around you.

You should talk to whoever is managing the kidnapping case about how much you can tell your friends and wider family.

Supporting your children

Your children will be looking to you, other adult family members and their teachers for help to deal with their emotions. You might be unsure how to communicate with your children. You might worry about scaring them. Even very young children can pick up that something is happening. Aureen Wagner, PhD, Director of The Anxiety Wellness Centre in the US, has offered this advice for parents:

“Remain as calm as possible; watch and listen to your child to understand how upset he or she is. Explain a traumatic event as accurately as possible, but don’t give graphic details. It’s best not to give more information than your child asks.

(Additional materials from the internet)