Disaster Psychology Preparedness
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 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
(The above information is courtesy of, and used with the permission of, the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management.)
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