How to Handle Stress After a Natural Disaster: Tips for Managing Mental Health
I’m finally back home after spending four days without power when a storm took out multiple trees in our backyard, along with the electricity. My husband, 16 month daughter, and I had a great time at first, making shadow puppets on the wall with our cell phone flashlights. I had just finished making breakfast at 6:00 am when the storm hit, and things stayed cool for awhile…
I have experience with this, I thought. I lived in New Orleans for a few years, and I’ve had a Hurrication or two. But the stress of these situations tends to creep up on us. I had invited my mom to come stay with us for the week to help me out so that I could work. This is the off week for childcare, so I could have used the help. My daughter and I both had Covid last week, and dang did I have a lot to do to catch up. I couldn’t get in touch with her to even tell her to turn around once the power went out. We made the most of it and she was amazing. helping watch my daughter while my husband and I made plans and tried to figure out the next steps before turning around the next day to drive 4 hours back home.
Luckily we had my mother in law to stay with. Her place is so comfortable and she is an absolute Angel. She made us feel so at home, because honestly we were. I’m so lucky that she is my family. My daughter was adorable walking around the house asking for her “Abu.”
When we made it home this evening and my husband sat down for a bit and said, “Wow, I feel like I can finally exhale.” No truer words were spoken. It made me think about all the people who are displaced around the world at this very moment due to unsafe conditions. Whether it be a catastrophic weather event, war, poverty, domestic violence, politics; unrest or homelessness, being uprooted is incredibly stressful. Here are some tips to help you manage heavy emotions in a time of disruption.
Here are some "Mental Health CPR" tips specifically tailored for dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster:
Prioritize safety: Your safety and the safety of your loved ones should always come first. Follow evacuation orders and emergency protocols issued by local authorities. Establish a safe location and have emergency supplies readily available.
Acknowledge your feelings: It's normal to experience a range of emotions during and after a natural disaster, including fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. Acknowledge and validate your feelings, allowing yourself to experience them without judgment.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, or support groups for emotional support and practical assistance. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of connection.
Practice self-care: Engage in self-care activities to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. This may include getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Limit exposure to media: While it's important to stay informed about developments related to the natural disaster, limit your exposure to news coverage and social media, especially if it's causing distress. Set boundaries around media consumption to prevent overwhelm.
Establish routines: Establishing routines can provide a sense of structure and stability during chaotic times. Stick to regular meal times, sleep schedules, and daily activities as much as possible, even if they need to be modified due to the disaster.
Practice mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay grounded and present in the moment. Pay attention to your surroundings, engage your senses, and focus on activities that bring you comfort and peace.
Connect with community resources: Take advantage of community resources and support services available for disaster recovery, such as counseling services, support groups, and disaster relief organizations. These resources can provide practical assistance, information, and emotional support.
Give yourself time to heal: Recovery from a natural disaster takes time, and healing is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve losses, adapt to changes, and rebuild your life at your own pace.
Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling to cope with the aftermath of a natural disaster, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or mental health provider. They can offer specialized support and interventions to help you navigate through the challenges and promote your recovery.
