As we all have seen on the news the flooding in North Carolina, our hearts go out to the communities that have been affected by this terrible ordeal. Many are trying to make sense of what has happened and are trying to deal with the stress of the situation.

To the individuals who have been affected by these events, we know how they can create a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety for those directly and indirectly affected. Here are some things to look for in the days and weeks following the disaster, you may begin to have some of these common reactions.

Common Reactions

• Disbelief and shock
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Apathy and emotional numbing
• Nightmares and recurring thoughts about the event
• Irritability and anger
• Sadness and depression
• Feeling powerless
• Changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
• Crying for “no apparent reason”
• Headaches, back pains, and stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs

Tips for Coping

It is normal to have difficulty managing your feelings after major traumatic events. However, if you don’t deal with the stress, it can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recovers from a disaster. Here are some tips for coping in these difficult times:

• Talk about it. By talking with others about the event, you can relieve stress and realize that others share your feelings.
• Spend time with friends and family. They can help you through this tough time. If your family lives outside the area, stay in touch by phone. If you have any children, encourage them to share their concerns and feelings about the disaster with you.
• Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise, and eat properly. If you smoke or drink coffee, try to limit your intake, since nicotine and caffeine can also add to your stress.
• Limit exposure to images of the disaster. Watching or reading news about the event over and over again will only increase your stress.
• Find time for activities you enjoy. Read a book, go for a walk, catch a movie, or do something else you find enjoyable. These healthy activities can help you get your mind off the disaster and keep the stress in check.
• Take one thing at a time. For people under stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. Checking off tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and make things feel less overwhelming.
• Do something positive. Give blood, prepare care packages for people who have lost relatives or their homes or jobs, or volunteer in a rebuilding effort. Helping other people can give you a sense of purpose in a situation that feels out of your control.
• Avoid drugs and excessive drinking. Drugs and alcohol may temporarily seem to remove stress, but in the long run, they generally create additional problems that compound the stress you were already feeling.
• Ask for help when you need it. If your feelings do not go away, or are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function in daily life, talk with a trusted relative, friend, doctor or spiritual advisor about getting help. Make an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss how well you are coping with the recent events. You could also join a support group. Don’t try to cope alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
• Seek spiritual help. This goes along with asking for help when you need it. But sometimes, people may not know that they are in need of help until it is too late. You could go to a pastor, church clergy, or someone who can help you pray during this time. It is very common to blame God for the disaster and turn away from Him, but God is such a big God that He can handle your anger and frustration towards Him. He so longs to hear from you, even if it is to vent and scream. He is ready and willing to hear your prayers. A spiritual counselor will be able to help you navigate those feelings and help you along the road to recovery of spiritual health.

More Resources:

• Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Technical Assistance Center
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Coping with Traumatic Events
• National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Voicemail: 1-802-296-6300
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Toll-Free: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

This information is provided by Mental Health America and by Safe Harbor International Ministries.

Written by Marquetta Smith, Executive Director of Safe Harbor International Ministries

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