Whether you have been in or have been witness to a natural disaster, the stress you feel as a result of these experiences is real. You may experience fear for yourself and loved ones, you may feel guilt for having not been impacted or for having witnessed the disaster from afar, and you may feel shame for feeling the way that you do. Everyone's experience is unique and all of these feelings and more are a normal part of the coping process. Something very big and scary happened that was outside of all of our control. So, what can you do to support yourself and family in identifying, making meaning of, and processing these feelings to help you move forward? The following video from the American Psychological Association reviews 5 strategies that you can use right now to begin managing the stressful aftermath of a natural disaster.
If you are a parent you may wonder how to talk with your children about what they have experienced or what they are seeing and hearing on the television, radio, or at school. Children are aware of what is happening around them and young children may not always have the language to express what they are feeling. Below are two articles that outline ways to offer support to your children, young and old, including how to foster a sense of safety and talking with them about what they are feeling.
- Responding to Children's Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- How To Help Your Children Cope After Hurricane Harvey by Tara Haelle
What can you do right this minute?
Stress not only impacts your mood, it can have a toll on your physical well-being as well. Deep breathing is a quick and simple practice that can be used to soothe your mind and body and it only takes a few moments a day. Even just 5 slow deep breaths in and out can have a significant impact. Do you have a moment now? Try it and notice how you are feeling when you're done. This website will even guide your breath in and out to help you practice slowly inhaling and exhaling.