Disaster-Related Stress Is Real; Look For The Warning Signs
Release Date: November 13, 2008
Release Number: 1791-250
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Two months after Hurricane Ike pounded the Texas coast, progress continues, as homeowners, renters and business owners in hard-hit areas work to rebuild and regain a sense of normalcy.
Meanwhile, federal and state officials remind Texans that stress caused by loss or traumatic experience can catch people off guard. Residents of the recovering counties, cities and towns may be experiencing emotions such as grief, sadness, shock, anger, helplessness, and hopelessness.
"Stress may not be recognized for weeks or months after the disaster," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "But it's real and we urge all Texans to watch for signs in the behavior of family, friends and neighbors."
FEMA obligated nearly $2 million in grants for crisis counseling services in the 34 counties designated for assistance to individuals. Officials also say nearly 100 crisis counselors are available through the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers. Visitors to the centers can be referred for crisis counseling services.
If you are not sure if you are experiencing stress, here are some signs to look for:
- Difficulty communicating thoughts.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Difficulty maintaining a balanced life.
- 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 self-doubt.
- Fear of crowds, strangers or being alone.
"Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way," Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman said. "It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends."
Experts say profound sadness, grief and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event. Acknowledging your feelings helps you to recover and focus on your strengths and abilities to heal. Accepting help from community programs and resources is also very healthy. Here are some other things you can do to start to recover:
- 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 post-disaster stress.
- Do not hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or feel frustrated because you cannot help directly in 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.
- Spend time with family and friends doing something fun.
- Use existing support groups of family, friends and religious institutions.
- Make sure you are ready for future events by restocking your disaster supply kits and updating your family disaster plan. Taking positive action can be comforting.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2008 10:19:03