When disaster strikes, physical assistance may not be only part of what survivors need. Psychological First Aid" for disaster-induced stress and trauma will help the survivors.
Disaster-induced stress and trauma are "normal reactions" to an "abnormal" event.
Emotional reactions will vary and may be influenced by:
Prior experience with the same or similar event
The intensity and length of the event
Pre-incident stressors
The length of time since the event
Loss of loved ones, housing etc.
Emotional reactions can vary depending upon the phase of the event.
Before the event, as concern escalates and information is made available through the media and the authorities
During the event's impact - responding to the immediate effects of the disaster
Immediately after the event's impact when rescue may be needed
Immediately after the event when an inventory is made of losses - personal and material
Well after the event during recovery
Traumatic Stress Reactions
A traumatic stress reaction is an emotional aftershock of a disaster or other significantly stressful event. Symptoms may occur immediately after the event or weeks after the event is over.
Some common signs/symptoms of emotional reactions to a disaster:
Physical
Nausea and/or upset stomach
Dizziness
Headache
Restlessness
Difficulty sleeping
Emotional
Anxiety and/or fear
Guilt
Grief and/or depression
Anger
Cognitive
Nightmares
Confusion and/or disorientation
Difficulty concentrating
Behavioral
Avoidance and/or withdrawing
Emotional outbursts
Erratic behavior
Taking care of yourself following a traumatic event
Try to rest a bit more
Contact friends and talk
Reestablish your normal schedule as soon as possible
Fight against boredom
Physical activity can be helpful
Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you don't feel like it)
Avoid alcohol and drugs taken without physician recommendation/prescription
Recurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal - don't try to fight them - they'll decrease over time and be less painful
Seek out professional help if the feelings become prolonged or intense
Taking care of others following a traumatic event
Listen carefully
Spend time with the traumatized person
Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help
Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children etc . . .
Give them time to be alone
Help them stay away from alcohol and drugs
Keep in mind what they've been through
Don't try to explain it away
Don't tell them that they are lucky it wasn't worse
Don't take their anger, other feelings or outbursts personally
Get further assistance if...
The person is having life-threatening symptoms
The person is suicidal or homicidal
The person is out of control
Emergency Contacts
Emotional emergencies or information 24 hours a day In Bergen: 262-HELP (201-262-4357) Physical emergencies: dial 9-1-1 (police, fire & EMS)
(The above information is courtesy of, and used with the permission of, the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management.)
