After the Disaster V

Here is the very belated and last installment of AFTER THE DISASTER. I hope it has been helpful to some. Thanks for coming by the blog.

Coping With the Stress:
Natural disasters turn lives upside-down and cause a lot of emotional stress for victims. Feelings of panic, despair, anxiety, and anger are common symptoms disaster victims experience. These feelings are natural reactions to trauma, but it’s important to address them.
Give yourself time to heal. Don’t expect everything to be better immediately, and don’t get frustrated when it doesn’t happen when you want it to.
Ask for help from others. There are people out there more than willing to help— all you have to do is ask.
Be healthy. This means eating a proper diet, getting good sleep, and exercising. Having a healthy body will enhance your ability to cope with stress.


Helping Children Cope:
The stress and fear that follow a natural disaster can be especially hard for children. Some may regress to younger behaviors, they may become more prone to nightmares, their grades in school may suffer, or they may become extremely noisy or quiet. There are several things a parent can do to help their children cope.
Spend more time with them and allow them to cling to you. Physical affection has a healing power. Keep regular schedules for things like playing, eating, and going to bed. This will help restore a sense of normalcy and comfort. Remember, safety is your first priority. Take care of yourself and your family, and be patient as you work to rebuild.