Life After a Natural Disaster
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process . Safety is a primary issue , as are mental and physical well-being . If assistance is available , knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful . This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home , your community and your life back to normal .
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved . The emotional toll that disaster brings can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage and loss of home , business or personal property . Children , senior citizens , people with access or functional needs , and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk . Children may become afraid and some elderly people may seem disoriented at first . People with access or functional needs may require additional assistance . Seek crisis counseling if you or someone in your family is experiencing issues with disaster-related stress .
Understand the individual effects of a disaster Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way . It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends . Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover . Focusing on your strengths and
20 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 abilities helps you heal . Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping . Even individuals who experience a disaster “ second hand ” through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected . Contact local faith-based organizations , voluntary agencies , or professional counselors for counseling . Additionally , FEMA and state and local governments of the affected area may provide crisis counseling assistance .
As you recover , it is a good idea to make sure that you have updated your family disaster plan and replenished essential disaster supplies just in case a disaster happens again . You will always feel better knowing that you are prepared and ready for anything . Seek counseling if you or a family member are experiencing disasterrelated stress .
Recognize Signs of Disaster- Related Stress When adults have the following signs , they might 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 symptoms .
• Disorientation or confusion .
• Difficulty concentrating .
• Reluctance to leave home .
• Depression , sadness .
• Feelings of hopelessness .
• Mood-swings and easy bouts of crying .
• Overwhelming guilt and selfdoubt .
• Fear of crowds , strangers , or being alone .
Easing Stress Talk to someone and seek professional help for disaster-related stress . The following are ways to ease disasterrelated stress :
• Talk with someone about your feelings - anger , sorrow and other emotions - even though it may be difficult .
• Seek help from professional counselors who deal with postdisaster stress .
• Do not hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel you cannot help directly in the rescue work .
• Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing 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 of family , friends and religious institutions .
Helping Kids Cope with Disaster Disasters can leave children feeling frightened , confused , and insecure . Whether a child has personally experienced trauma , has merely seen the event on television or has heard it discussed by adults , it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur .
Children may respond to disaster by demonstrating fears , sadness or behavioral problems . Younger children may return to earlier behavior patterns , such as bedwetting , sleep problems and separation anxiety . Older children may also display anger , aggression , school problems or withdrawal . Some children who have only indirect contact with the disaster but witness it on television