How to Cope With the Psychological Effects of a Disaster

 

 

 

 

Disaster survivors face many different stressors, from potential danger of death or physical injury to inability to protect family members or homes, loss of possessions and community disruption, as well as an on-going stress of rebuilding.

Photo by Denniz Futalan

These stressful events may lead to various mental health symptoms. If your distress persists, seek professional assistance immediately.

 

Grief

 

Disasters can be traumatizing for those directly affected, leaving many unsettled by loss, possessions and the need to rebuild homes, businesses and lives. Even for those not directly impacted by a disaster themselves, watching news coverage of its devastation can cause immense emotional stress as they worry about loved ones who are missing or have fled from its aftermath.

 

Individuals dealing with natural disasters typically experience a range of emotions including grief, fear, anxiety and depression. Although good days and bad can occur naturally, seeking assistance should your distress levels remain high for several weeks or if symptoms like suicidal thoughts or hallucinations arise - speaking to health care providers or contacting local crisis counseling services should be your next step.

 

Disaster survivors may experience various psychological impacts, ranging from acute trauma and the existential despair caused by climate change to long-term strains such as loss of community, home, financial pressures and increased stressors such as work pressure. All these effects may lead to negative mental health outcomes including PTSD, depression, stress anxiety or substance use problems that negatively impact mental wellbeing and long-term mental wellbeing.

 

Children may be especially susceptible to mental health complications following a disaster, and their experiences could have long-lasting repercussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they may be at a greater risk for experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders depression grief as well as behavioral problems as they struggle to understand what's happened and feel helpless against its outcome. They also might struggle with maintaining their sense of safety because the event seems beyond their control and makes them feel helpless against it all.

 

Children affected by natural disasters may find it hard to adjust to normal routines and can find it hard to express their emotions. They may develop nightmares, withdraw from social situations, and have difficulty learning new concepts. Parents and caregivers can help their children by recognizing symptoms of distress in them, being patient with them, providing support and allowing them to express themselves openly.

 

Anxiety

 

Natural disasters have far-reaching psychological and physical consequences that may linger afterward, from mold exposure and wildfire smoke causing respiratory illness such as asthma to social isolation leading to depression, while stress-inducing natural disasters often exacerbate existing mental health conditions; forced evacuation and not knowing whether loved ones are safe can compound those struggles further.

 

Anxiety can be a natural reaction to trauma, but when it becomes overwhelming it is wise to seek assistance from friends, family or professional counselors as soon as possible. A support group may also prove useful and medication and alcohol should be avoided as these substances will exacerbate anxiety further.

 

Profound sadness and anger are also normal responses to disaster, and you should feel free to express them freely. Anger should be directed toward those responsible, while sadness should be directed toward your family and friends who have been affected. These emotions may even be triggered by reminders such as high winds or smoke in the air.

 

Disasters can have lasting psychological repercussions, particularly for children. Because children understand less of what has transpired than adults do and lack experience dealing with difficult events, disasters can create havoc in families' lives - including separation from loved ones as a result of attending different schools or losing contact with peers as a result.

 

Disasters can be emotionally taxing for everyone involved, with first responders and emergency workers particularly susceptible. People living or working in vulnerable locations, as well as people suffering from previous traumas or severe stress, may also find themselves particularly at risk during disasters. Distressing feelings usually subside within six weeks after experiencing trauma; if not, find help nearby using the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's online directory directory.

 

Panic

 

Psychological reactions after disasters may vary significantly for each individual affected, from anxiety and sadness to fear, confusion, guilt and anger. People suffering these emotions often struggle at work or home and even consider harming themselves or others - therefore it's crucial for all involved in an incident to remain aware of these reactions and when professional assistance may be necessary.

 

Anxiety after a disaster often stems from feeling unsafe or helpless - this is particularly true for those who lost loved ones or property, while reminders such as sirens or cloudy skies may trigger feelings of insecurity or helplessness. People with prior histories of mental illness are at heightened risk for experiencing anxiety after disaster strikes.

 

As stated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, experiencing "good days" and "bad days" as part of the recovery process from disaster is normal; however, seeking professional help if your distress lasts more than several weeks; you are having trouble functioning at work or home; or are thinking about hurting yourself or another individual is important.

 

Some individuals suffering from disasters develop what is known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which manifests itself by flashbacks or nightmares of the experience and an increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli such as noise, burning smells or certain foods.

 

As with any disaster, one of the best ways to cope with its emotional effects is with support from family and friends as well as finding community resources. Local areas may provide buildings for gatherings or food banks; others might provide information about local services for mental health counseling and recovery programs; still others could teach coping skills or encourage families spending time together during initial recovery phase. Promoting physical wellness through sleep, eating healthily and exercising could also prove useful.

 

PTSD

 

Some survivors of disaster may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an emotional and psychological reaction to trauma that requires time for healing. While the risk is always present, survivors can reduce the chance of developing PTSD with healthy coping strategies like social support or self care and by avoiding activities which might retraumatize them further.

 

PTSD symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks or difficulty sleeping. These reactions are natural reactions to an emotionally charged experience and should dissipate over time; however, those experiencing these symptoms and who find them difficult to cope should seek professional advice immediately.

 

After experiencing a disaster, children may experience emotions of fear or sadness and manifest it through bedwetting, separation anxiety or aggression. Furthermore, their classroom performance could suffer significantly should they see or hear about what occurred on television or hear it from friends and classmates.

 

Stress after disasters are all too familiar, and it is essential for everyone to recognize this reality. Most individuals can recover from such events with support from family, friends and community - helping to mitigate distressing responses through education and therapy. When dealing with disaster-related stress it's also wise to avoid making major life decisions such as changing jobs or moving during this period.

 

After disaster strikes, numerous organizations and professionals can provide counseling and other forms of assistance. This includes faith-based groups, voluntary agencies, professional counselors who specialize in disaster recovery as well as FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency).

 

Support groups are another essential resource. Many are available after disaster strikes and can provide valuable comfort to those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Group discussion is another invaluable way of helping those experiencing it realize they are not alone in their reactions and emotions, which is crucial in terms of recovery. Those experiencing difficulty should visit a psychologist for support; they can offer medication, therapy or other techniques designed to manage it more effectively.