After experiencing a major disaster, it is understandable to feel a range of emotions and feelings. For most people, these reactions will subside over time. However, for others they will last longer depending on how the major disaster impacted them.
Remember, there is no “right way” to cope with your feelings and emotions. Many people find themselves in a state of fight, flight, freeze or fawn modes. This is a common and a normal reaction during a time of heightened stress. It is important to find strategies that work to reduce stress and allow a return to some type of normalcy. Tips for Coping
Not dealing with stress can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Here are some tips for coping during the aftermath of a major disaster:
Focus on yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise. Make sure to eat nutritious meals. Limit your caffeine intake. Drinking too much caffeine can add to your stress.
· Talk it out. Talking with others about the event can relieve stress and make you realize that you are not alone and that others share your same feelings.
Stay connected. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to give and receive support. Helping one another aids in healing.
Engage in activities you enjoy. Read a book, listen to music, go for a walk, or do something else you find pleasurable. Keeping your mind off the disaster helps to reduce your stress.
Limit your exposure to images of the disaster. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.
Slow it down. Pick one important task and work on it. Once that task is done, then move onto another one. Being able to “check off” tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and make things feel less overwhelming.
Avoid drugs and excessive drinking. Do not use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to manage difficult emotions. This will only create more problems and add to the stress you are already feeling.
Stay positive. Practice acceptance, prayer, or mindfulness to reframe negative thoughts. Remind yourself of how you’ve successfully overcome previous difficult times.
Seek help when you need it. If distressing thoughts begin to impact your daily life for several days or weeks, or you are unable to function, seek out help by talking to a clergy member, therapist/counselor, or doctor. Don’t try to cope alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Remember that there is no typical timeline for recovering from a major disaster. Your recovery will last as short or as long as the journey will take, and that’s okay. Resources for Help: Go here to find out how you can give and receive help. Written By: Jennifer Gonzalez
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