Mental Stress
It is normal for people to suffer emotional and physical stress after and during a disaster. Immediately after the event start and follow your emergency plan then start your disaster plan. Help your family to start following the plan.
A traumatic event turns your world upside down.
After surviving a disaster or act of violence, people may feel dazed or even numb. Initially you may have to take charge and give instructions. They may also feel sad, helpless, or anxious. In spite of the tragedy, some people just feel happy to be alive.
It is not unusual to have bad memories or dreams. You may avoid places or people that remind you of the disaster. You might have trouble sleeping, eating, or paying attention. Many people have short tempers and get angry easily. This additional stress can make existing health conditions worse (for example, diabetes) or trigger a new health problem (for example, heart attack, depression).
These are all normal reactions to stress.
It will take time before you start to feel better.
You may have strong feelings right away. Or you may not notice a change until much later, after the crisis is over. Stress can change how you act with your friends and family. It will take time for you to feel better and for your life to return to normal. Give yourself time to heal.
These steps may help you feel better.
A traumatic event disrupts your life. There is no simple fix to make things better right away. But there are actions that can help you, your family, and your community to heal. Try to:
- Follow YOUR emergency plan one item at a time.
- Follow a normal routine as much as possible.
- Continuing to take your medicine as prescribed by your physician.
- Eat healthy meals. Be careful not to skip meals or to overeat.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Help other people in your community as a volunteer. Stay busy.
- Accept help from family, friends, co-workers, or clergy. Talk about your feelings with them.
- Limit your time around the sights and sounds of what happened.
- Don’t dwell on the most tragic events.
- Read your scriptures, pray and attend church.
- Read, sing and play games with your children.
- If needed, take time to cry - It will help release pent-up emotions.