HARRISBURG, Pa. — The initial trauma from Pennsylvania’s two late-summer disasters – Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee – has passed, but the psychological effects can linger.
Stress caused by loss or a traumatic experience can sneak up on people and influence behavior and emotions. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to stress after a disaster and may require special considerations.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have developed a list of things to look for and tips for helping yourself and others get through this difficult time. Some common signs of stress are:
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things.
- Difficulty making decisions.
- Replaying the events and circumstances of the disaster over and over in your mind.
- Anxiety or fear, especially when things remind you of the traumatic experience.
- Feeling depressed, sad or down much of the time.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Nightmares.
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.
- Feeling overwhelmed.
Stress isn’t just emotional. It can manifest in physical sensations like fatigue, stomachaches or diarrhea, headaches, sweating or chills, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat. Changes in behavior also can signal that you are under stress. Do you withdraw or isolate yourself, even from family and friends? Are you restless or prone to emotional outbursts? Do you startle easily?
Here are some common-sense measures to help you overcome stress and get you back to yourself again.
- Friends and family are good medicine. Talk with them about your feelings. Sharing common experiences helps you deal with and overcome anxiety and feelings of helplessness.
- Get back into your daily routines as soon as you can.
- Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
- Find ways to relax. Do a fun thing after a difficult or stressful task.
- Get some physical exercise every day. Walking is a great stress reliever and you can do it with a friend or relative.
Know that feeling stressed, depressed, guilty or angry is common after a traumatic event. Watch out for problems that are more than you can handle. If signs of stress are serious or if they persist, you should see a counselor or other mental health professional.
For more information about behavioral health services available in your area, please contact your county crisis hotline or mental health office. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov, and www.readypa.org.
Article courtesy of FEMA
