SubscribeTaking care of yourself emotionally is vital at any stage of life, especially since your own emotional state has a profound effect on family members and anyone else you spend much time with. One person’s positive attitude or calm demeanor tends to rub off on others. Similarly, pessimistic or aggressive family members can create toxic situations for everyone in the home.
The importance of emotional health is only magnified when a disaster takes place. In the aftermath of a disaster, adults and children alike are prone to feeling stressed, frustrated, and drained. We hope the information we share today can help you to look after your emotional health and to recover quickly when unexpected problems come along.
What is a disaster?
“Disasters” can be anything from natural disasters, like the earthquake that’s caused so much devastation in Haiti, to car accidents or the death of a loved one. A “disaster” can be big enough make national news or small enough to only challenge one family. Even the long-term stress that comes from a dangerous job or caring for a sick child can create reactions like the ones seen in victims of traumatic events. It’s safe to say that we’ll all experience several disasters in our lives, and the ability to deal with those disasters in a safe way is key.
How do people react emotionally when disaster strikes?
As you might expect, there’s a wide range of emotions that can be inspired by a disaster. According to the Red Cross, here are some of the most common responses to difficult situations:
- Feeling physically and mentally drained
- Having difficulty making decisions or staying focused on topics
- Frustration that occurs more quickly and more often
- Arguing more with family and friends
- Feeling tired, sad, numb, lonely, or worried
- Experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Looking at this list, it’s striking to notice how important it is to know and understand your own behavior before you can evaluate your emotional health. For example, if you’re usually indecisive or if you tend to worry a lot, then those symptoms might not be as meaningful after a disaster. But if you’ve always been an incurable optimist and are suddenly feeling depressed, or if you’re starting arguments even though that’s completely unlike you, those symptoms are likely very telling.
What’s the best way to respond to these emotional troubles?
The Red Cross offers these suggestions:
- Take care of your safety. Find a safe place to stay and make sure your physical health needs and those of your family are addressed. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
- Eat healthy. During times of stress, it is important that you maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
- Get some rest. With so much to do, it may be difficult to have enough time to rest or get adequate sleep. Giving your body and mind a break can boost your ability to cope with the stress you may be experiencing.
- Stay connected with family and friends. Giving and getting support is one of the most important things you can do.
- Be patient with yourself and with those around you. Recognize that everyone is stressed and may need some time to put their feelings and thoughts in order.
- Set priorities.Tackle tasks in small steps
- Gather information about assistance and resources that will help you and your family members met your disaster-related needs.
- Stay positive. Remind yourself of how you’ve successfully gotten through difficult times in the past. Reach out when you need support, and help others when they need it.
In most cases, the symptoms pass quickly after a disaster. Once people have the chance to rest and regroup, they’re able to think clearly and recover. If unusual behavior persists for longer than two weeks, it may be a sign that the person should reach out for more assistance.
For more information on this topic, take a look at this Red Cross document: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health after a Disaster
