Emotional Recovery After Disaster

In addition to the physical damage a disaster brings, stress and emotional disequilibrium need to be addressed by victims. Steps you can take to reduce the effects of a disaster include:

• Be extra patient.
• Keep in mind that other people may have a different viewpoint about what should be top priority.
• Realize that it will take time to restore things, both physically and emotionally.
• Try to keep your family diet as nutritious as possible.
• Focus on the big picture instead of the little details. This will give you a sense of completeness.
• Talk with friends, family and clergy. A support network is essential in a disaster situation.
• Watch for the tendency to resort to bad habits when you are under stress.

If you are dealing with disaster victims, realize that it's natural for them to express disbelief, sadness, anger, anxiety and depression. Also realize that these emotions and moods can change unexpectedly.