When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes,
it is recommended that individuals should:

1. Keep in mind these incidents are highly visible and disturbing but they are isolated events in a country of close to 300 million people.
2. Act on facts, not fear or speculation.
3. Take control of what you can. Stay out of heavily populated public areas if at all possible.
4. Don't take public transportation.
5. Keep informed about new information or developments.
6. If you feel anxious, angry or depressed, you're not alone. Talk to friends, family or colleagues who may likely experience the same feelings.

Many people survive disasters without developing significant psychological problems.

It is particularly important to listen to children, accept their fears and
talk with them.

1. Reassure your child that they are safe from harm and are being protected.
2. Reassure them that state and federal government, the police, doctor and hospitals are doing everything possible to help the people hurt by this tragedy.
3. Listen to your child's fears and concerns and encourage your child to talk to you and other family members about their fears and anxieties.
4. Let them know that in time, our country will recover from this disaster.
5. If you are frightened tell your child. Do not minimize the danger, but also talk about your ability to cope with your own fear and anxieties and continue with your life.

In general research shows that the more devastating and terrifying the trauma is, the more vulnerable someone will be to develop psychiatric symptoms. Aspects of disaster or trauma which increase the likelihood of psychiatric distress include: a lack of warning about the event, injury during the trauma, death of a loved one, exposure to horrifying events, experiencing the trauma alone, and the possibility of recurrence. Researchers are less sure, at this time, about what factors protect some people from psychiatric problems following exposure to trauma.

Survivors of trauma have reported a wide range of psychiatric problems that develop after the traumatic event. These may include: depression, anxiety, lingering symptoms of fear and anxiety that make it hard to work or go to school, family stress, alcohol and drug abuse, and marital conflicts.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is the most common psychiatric disorder following a traumatic event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a reaction that may follow after a period of time. People suffering with ASD or PTSD often have persistent nightmares or flashbacks of the trauma. They may feel numb and have difficulty responding normally to usual life situations. They may be on edge, have trouble sleeping, have angry outbursts, or seem excessively watchful. Some people become severely depressed and begin to abuse drugs and/or alcohol in an attempt to medicate their painful feelings. People with these symptoms should seek help from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

The psychiatric sequelae of trauma are not limited to those individuals involved directly in the traumatic event. When this occurs, it is called secondary traumatization. Those at particular risk include spouses and loved ones of trauma victims, police or firemen involved in the disaster, and health care professionals who treat trauma victims. In addition, individuals with a prior history of psychiatric problems are at increased risk of developing additional problems when they are the victims of trauma.

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use a variety of effective treatments for disaster-related disorders. Talking about the trauma in individual, family or group therapy can be very helpful. Psychiatric medications can also provide relief for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Also See:
Stress Management

Source: Coping with a National Tragedy