Dealing With Emotional Stress After A Disaster

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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A natural disaster normally leaves behind damaged properties but oftentimes the damage is beyond physical as lives are disrupted and victims are left feeling insecure or at a loss. In addition to dealing with the physical effects of the disaster, may it be flood damage to homes or other property damage, disaster victims also need to recover emotionally and psychologically.
Disaster victims go through a range of emotions following their ordeal. Certainly, they will have different reactions towards what happened based on their own particular experiences. Recognizing the symptoms of emotional stress is important to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships, which will further create emotional burden and eventually affect physical health.
Here are some common signs of emotional stress common among disaster victims:
Feelings of guilt
Avoiding personal contact
Locking up in a room
Feelings of frustration and thinking there is so much to do but not enough time
Always in a hurry - rushing tasks and even meals
Losing oneself in work or other preoccupation to escape
...
... Not taking any time to just relax
Focused on accomplishing tasks within specific times and losing in touch with people
Not spending enough time with family
Constant bickering or sudden intense arguments
While the symptoms above are normal, along with feelings of confusion, depression and helplessness, for someone who has been through a disaster, it is crucial to point out that victims who show emotional stress in a severe manner or for a prolonged time, for instance, several months after the incident, may need to seek professional counseling to better manage disaster-related stress.
Anytime a person is being destructive in his own life, work and personal relationships, then that is a strong sign that that person needs help. Destructive, here, would mean not only starting fights or becoming addicted to something but also withdrawing from the world and any other negative behavior.
Ways to Overcome Emotional Stress
One of the best ways to move on is stop dwelling on what happened and stop thinking "what could have happened if only". These thoughts will just create more stress because there is nothing anyone can do now about the incident since it's all in the past. Learn to accept that some things in life are beyond anyone's control.
Refocus on what really matters instead of sweating about the little things. Communicate with your support system. They are likely reaching out to you but you're not letting them help you. Be aware of how bad habits like excessive drinking, smoking and doing drugs become very appealing to someone under stress and looking for escape. Instead of resorting to those things, nourish yourself. Keep a healthy diet and get adequate rest.
For the victim's family or friend:
Disaster victims who've suffered a loss, whether material or of a loved one, will of course feel angry, anxious or depressed. Allow enough time for the person to recover. Realize that as the victim goes through the process of recovery, his emotions and moods will come and go so you must extend your patience. In times of crisis, support from loved ones is vital.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about flood cleanup and water removal services, visit RestorationSOS.com.