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Tips on dealing with disasters, trauma Following are suggestions from the American Psychiatric Association on the psychiatric aspects of disaster or trauma  When disaster strikes, it is recommended that individuals should:  Keep in mind these incidents are highly visible and disturbing but they are isolated events in a country of close to 300 million people; act on facts, not fear or speculation; keep informed about new information or developments; and if you feel anxious, angry or depressed, you're not alone. Talk to friends, family or colleagues who may likely experience the same feelings.  Many people survive disasters without developing significant psychological problems. It is particularly important to listen to children, accept their fears  and talk with them.  In general, research shows that the more devastating and terrifying the trauma is, the more vulnerable someone will be to develop psychiatric symptoms.  Aspects of disaster or trauma which increase the likelihood of  psychiatric distress include: a lack of warning about the event, injury during the trauma, death of a loved one, exposure to horrifying events, experiencing the trauma alone, and the possibility of recurrence.  Researchers are less sure, at this time, about what factors protect some people from psychiatric problems following exposure to trauma. For more information, call the Employee Assistant Program at 792-2848. Students can also call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 792-4930.  The following Web sites also offer  information: <http://www.psych.org> and <http://www.mentalhealth.org>.