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To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help. But everyone, even the people that others look up to for guidance and assistance, is entitled to their feelings and deserves support throughout the recovery process.
When we experience a disaster or other stressful life event, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which can be common responses to difficult situations.
These reactions can include:
Most of these reactions are temporary and will go away over time. Try to accept whatever reactions you may have. Look for ways to take one step at a time and focus on taking care of your disaster-related needs and those of your family.
Keep a particularly close eye on the children in your family. When disaster strikes, a child's view of the world as a safe and predictable place is temporarily lost. Children of different ages react in different ways to trauma, but how parents and other adults react following any traumatic event can help children recover more quickly and more completely. Your local Red Cross can give you information about helping children cope with disaster and trauma.
Getting ourselves and our lives back in a routine that is comfortable for us takes time.
Many people have experience coping with stressful life events and typically feel better after a few days. Others find that their stress does not go away as quickly as they would like and it influences their relationships with their family, friends and others.
If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing some of the feelings and reactions listed below for two weeks or longer, this may be a sign that you need to reach out for additional assistance.
Children experience traumatic events differently. Experiencing a disaster can leave children feeling frightened, confused and insecure, particularly if this experience is not their first.
Because they can’t always talk about their worries, it sometimes comes out in a child’s behavior. Some may react immediately; others may be fine for weeks or months and then show troubling behavior. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents recognize problems and respond accordingly.
Here are a few tips for talking to children after a traumatic event:
Click here to learn more about how to build resilience in children through coping skills.
The good news is that stress after a disaster or during the holidays is common and usually temporary. Also, we all have experience coping with stressful events and can usually “bounce back” after difficult times.
Here is some information on disaster reactions and tips for taking care of the emotional health of you, your family and friends during the holidays.
When recovering from a disaster, especially during the holidays, we can have a variety of reactions, all of which are common. Most of these reactions are temporary and will go away over time. Try to accept whatever reactions you may have. Look forward, one small step at a time, and focus on taking care of your needs and those of your friends and family.
These reactions can inlude:
Take care of your safety. Focus first on ensuring you have a safe place to stay and that your physical needs are met.
Eat healthy. Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Too much holiday “cheer” can increase your stress.
Get some rest. With so much to do, it can be difficult to rest or get adequate sleep. Giving your body and mind a break can boost your ability to cope with stress.
Reach out to others. If you find yourself in new surroundings, reach out to those around you. Giving and receiving support is important.
Be patient with yourself and with those around you. Recognize that others may be struggling to cope with the disaster during the holidays and may need your patience and support.
Honor your holiday traditions, but be flexible and prepared to engage in new activities this year.
Set priorities. Tackle tasks in small steps.
Gather information about assistance and resources that will help you and your family members meet your needs.
Stay positive. Remind yourself of how you’ve successfully gotten through difficult times in the past.
If you have children, give them extra time, hugs and patience. Provide them with reassurance of your family’s recovery plans. Involving them in activities to assist others can help them cope.
Many people have experience coping with stressful life events and typically feel better after a few days. Others find that their stress does not go away as quickly as they would like and it influences their relationships with their family, friends and others.
If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing some of the feelings and reactions listed below for two weeks or more, this may be a sign that you need to reach out for additional assistance.
For additional resources, contact your local Red Cross Disaster Mental Health or community mental health professional.
Please seek immediate help if you or someone you know is feeling that life isn’t worth living or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
You can also contact the Disaster Distress Hotline, sponsored by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, by calling 800-985-5990.