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a-z mental
health :
managing traumatic stress: recovering from natural disasters
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When a natural disaster affects
a community, the resulting trauma can reverberate even with
those not directly affected by the disaster. |
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Disasters of this type can be sudden
and overwhelming. In addition to the often catastrophic toll
on lives and property, a disaster like a tornado, hurricane
or fire can have an impact on those who have lost loved ones
and even those who feel more vulnerable as a result of learning
about the disaster. |
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It is common for people who have
experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional
reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal
events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings,
thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery. |
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What
happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event? |
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Shock and denial are typical responses
to large-scale natural disasters, especially shortly after the
event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions.
Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional
state that may leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial involves
your not acknowledging that something very stressful has happened,
or not experiencing fully the intensity of the event. You may
temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life. |
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As
the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from one person
to another. The following, however, are normal responses to
a traumatic event: |
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How do
people respond differently over time? |
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It is important for you to
realize that there is not one 'standard' pattern of reaction
to the extreme stress of traumatic experiences. Some people
respond immediately, while others have delayed reactions sometimes
months or even years later. Some have adverse effects for a
long period of time, while others recover rather quickly. |
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And reactions can change over time.
Some who have suffered from trauma are energized initially by
the event to help them with the challenge of coping, only to
later become discouraged or depressed. |
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A number of factors tend
to affect the length of time required for recovery, including: |
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The degree
of intensity and loss. Events that last longer and pose a
greater threat, and where loss of life or substantial loss
of property is involved, often take longer to resolve. A person's
general ability to cope with emotionally challenging situations.
Individuals who have handled other difficult, stressful circumstances
well may find it easier to cope with the trauma. Other stressful
events preceding the traumatic experience. Individuals faced
with other emotionally challenging situations, such as serious
health problems or family-related difficulties, may have more
intense reactions to the new stressful event and need more
time to recover. |
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How
should I help myself and my family? |
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Give yourself time to heal. Anticipate
that this will be a difficult time in your life. Allow yourself
to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be patient
with changes in your emotional state.Ask for support from people
who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your
situation. But keep in mind that your typical support system
may be weakened if those who are close to you also have experienced
or witnessed the trauma. |
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Communicate your experience in
whatever ways feel comfortable to you. Speak to family or close
friends, or keeping a diary. |
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Engage in healthy behaviors to
enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat well-balanced
meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing difficulties
with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation
techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs. |
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Establish or reestablish routines
such as eating meals at regular times and following an exercise
program. Take some time off from the demands of daily life by
pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities. |
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Avoid major life decisions such
as switching careers or jobs if possible because these activities
tend to be highly stressful. |
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How
do I take care of children's special needs? |
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The intense anxiety and fear that
often follow a disaster can be especially troubling for surviving
children, especially if children were victims of the disaster.
Some may regress and demonstrate younger behaviors such as thumb
sucking or bed wetting. Children may be more prone to nightmares
and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may suffer.
Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums
more frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary. |
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There are several things
parents and others who care for children can do to help alleviate
the emotional consequences of trauma, including the following: |
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Spend more time with children and
let them be more dependent on you during the months following
the trauma - for example, allowing your child to cling to you
more often than usual. Physical affection is very comforting
to children who have experienced trauma. |
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Provide play
experiences to help relieve tension. Younger children in particular
may find it easier to share their ideas and feelings about
the event through non-verbal activities such as drawing. |
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Encourage older children to speak
with you, and with one another, about their thoughts and feelings.
This helps reduce their confusion and anxiety related to the
trauma. Respond to questions in terms they can comprehend. Reassure
them repeatedly that you care about them and that you understand
their fears and concerns. |
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Look for opportunities for self-discovery.
People often learn something about themselves and may find that
they have grown in some respect as a result of persevering through
hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity
have reported better relationships, greater sense of personal
strength while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth,
deeper spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life. |
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When
should I seek professional help? |
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Some people are able to cope effectively
with the emotional and physical demands brought about by a natural
disaster by using their own support systems. It is not unusual,
however, to find that serious problems persist and continue
to interfere with daily living. For example, some may feel overwhelming
nervousness or lingering sadness that adversely affects job
performance and interpersonal relationships. |
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Individuals with prolonged reactions
that disrupt their daily functioning should consult with a trained
and experienced mental health professional. Psychologists and
other appropriate mental health providers help educate people
about normal responses to extreme stress. These professionals
work with individuals affected by trauma to help them find constructive
ways of dealing with the emotional impact. |
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With children, continual and aggressive
emotional outbursts, serious problems at school, preoccupation
with the traumatic event, continued and extreme withdrawal,
and other signs of intense anxiety or emotional difficulties
all point to the need for professional assistance. A qualified
mental health professional such as a psychologist can help such
children and their parents understand and deal with thoughts,
feelings and behaviors that result from trauma. |
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