Coping with Disasters

UNDERSTAND DISASTER EVENTS

• Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way.
• It is normal to feel anxious about the safety of yourself, family and friends.
• Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
• Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
• Focusing on your strengths will help you heal.
• Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
• Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping.

Children and the elderly are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. Even individuals who experience a disaster through exposure of the media can be affected.

Contact local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies or professional therapists for counseling.

RECOGNIZE DISASTER STRESS

When adults have the following signs, they may need crisis counseling or stress management assistance:

• Difficulty communicating thoughts
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty maintaining balance in their lives
• Low threshold of frustration
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol Limited attention span
• Poor work performance Headaches/stomach problems
• Tunnel vision/muffled hearing Colds or flu-like persistent symptoms
• Disorientation or confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reluctance to leave home
• Depression or sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Mood-swings and often/easy bouts of cryings
• Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
• Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone

EASING DISASTER STRESS

The following are ways to ease disaster-related stress:

• Talk with someone about your feelings.
• Seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster stress.
• Do not hold yourself responsible or be frustrated if you cannot help directly with the rescue.
• Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional health by healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation and meditation.
• Maintain a normal family and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Participate in memorials.
• Use existing support groups.
• Ensure you are ready for future events by restocking supplies and doing positive actions.