The impact of a natural disaster such as a hurricane goes far beyond its immediate devastation. You and your family members and loved ones are likely experiencing a variety of reactions. The following tip sheet offers an overview of typical emotional responses and challenges, strategies for coping, and when and how to seek professional support.
Common Emotional Reactions
Following a hurricane you may experience any number of the following:
- Numbness
- Anxiety, apprehension
- Sadness
- Increased vulnerability
- Fear, decreased sense of safety
- Grief
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability
- Anger
- Disbelief
- Difficulty concentrating
- Repeated thoughts about prior disasters or traumatic experiences
- Intrusive thoughts and images
- Feeling mentally drained and physically exhausted
- Confusion and hopelessness about the future
- Unresolved emotional issues or pre-existing problems and previous losses may resurface
Changes in Family Relationships
- Relationships may become stressed when everyone's emotions are heightened, and conflicts with spouses, children and other family members may increase.
- When homes are destroyed or damaged, families may have to live in temporary housing or with relatives and friends, leading to overcrowding and added tension.
- Family members or friends may be forced to move out of the area, disrupting relationships and our usual support systems.
- Parents may be physically or emotionally unavailable to their children following a disaster or traumatic event because they are busy cleaning up or are preoccupied, distracted, or distressed by difficulties related to the event.
- Parents may become overprotective of their children and their children's safety.
- Children may be expected to take on more adult roles, such as watching siblings or helping with cleanup efforts, leaving less time to spend with friends or participate in routine activities, such as school, hobbies, or social activities.
Work Disruptions
- Fatigue and increased stress from preoccupation with personal issues can lead to poor work performance.
- Conflicts with coworkers may increase because of the added stress.
- Businesses may be forced to lay off employees or company work hours and wages may be cut.
- Reduced income may require taking a second job.
- Daily travel and commute patterns may be disrupted due to loss of a car or road reconstruction.
Coping Strategies
There are many practical things you can do to feel better during this difficult time. Here are some suggestions:
- Take breaks from media reports. Staying aware of what is happening increases feelings of control; however, constant images of the disaster can become emotionally overwhelming.
- Allow yourself to feel things. Acknowledge your emotional reactions as valid and normal for someone who has experienced loss.
- Talk to others about your feelings.
- Have faith in better times to come.
- Limit other demanding responsibilities of yourself and your family while life returns to normal.
- Use existing support groups of family, friends, and spiritual/religious outlets.
- Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them. A healthy approach to life (e.g., healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation) will help both you and your family.
- Try to maintain a schedule as much as possible. By maintaining routines, we can have a greater sense of control of our lives.
- Avoiding holding yourself responsible for outcomes that you could not control.
- Think back to other stressful times in your life. What helped you then? Can you do similar things now?
- Spend time with others, especially people who make you feel comfortable, safe or secure. Ask for support if you need it.
Support is Available
If you find that you’re struggling with feeling distressed, overwhelmed, and not able to function in your daily life or that your stress response symptoms are persisting, getting worse, or interfering with your life, it may be time to consider reaching out for professional guidance and support.
Your Employee Assistance Program is a great place to start. Counselors are available 24/7/365 for in-the-moment support. Additionally, you can take advantage of no-cost virtual or in-person counseling with experienced and licensed practitioners. Contact the toll-free number below or log onto the website for more information or to obtain counseling referrals.
Source: Adapted from information courtesy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
