September 8, 2008. Red Cross volunteer Candice Wingle-Spier speaks with Edna James at a Red Cross shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Photographer: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
These common stress reactions can show up emotionally, in the way people feel and display feelings; cognitively in the way people think and what they think about; physically in the way they sleep, eat and go about daily living; and interpersonally in the way they interact and get along with others. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to disaster caused stress and can benefit from increased support and attention.
Cross volunteer Dawna Morris comforts Amber Nguyen, 6, at a West Livingston School shelter in Denham Springs, LA.
The good news is that humans are naturally resilient – designed to bounce back from difficult times. “It’s important to remind people about their strengths. They’ve developed their own support systems, have successfully coped with previous crises and they have successfully supported others in times of need,” said Rob Yin, Manager, Disaster Mental Health.
Taking action and practicing good coping skills can help reduce stress and discomfort. Here are a few tips and action steps to help manage the difficult feelings brought on by the disaster.
* Limit exposure to the sights and sounds of the disaster
* Prioritize your tasks and do one task at a time
* Focus on the positive—there are many people helping to provide support
* Reach out and accept help from others
* Do something you and your family enjoy
* Try to eat healthy and drink plenty of water
* Stay connected with your family and other support systems
* Be patient
* Try to develop a regular daily schedule
For your children
* Allow them to feel upset and encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts
* Try to establish a schedule for their eating, sleeping and daily activities
* Limit their exposure to TV and radio coverage of the disaster
To help people deal with the disaster and provide a shoulder to lean on, the Red Cross provides professional mental health volunteers to provide information, emotional care and comfort to residents and emergency workers. Want to become a member of our local team?
Red Cross Issues Disaster Coping Tips: A Focus on Resilience and Action
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 — For those affected by Hurricane Ike, it is important to focus first on safety, shelter, food and cleaning up. As these needs are taken care of, it becomes just as important to pay extra attention to the emotional well being of those who have been affected. After a disaster, people may experience a variety of difficult feelings and thoughts. This may be especially true for those who were also affected by Hurricanes Gustav, Katrina and Rita. Fear for the well being of their family, anger, confusion, disbelief, sadness, grief – are all common feelings associated with the experience of the disaster.
West Central Georgia Chapter
© 2008 American Red Cross, West Central Georgia Area Chapter | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
