Coping With Disasters: Normal Reactions and When to Get Help

However well you prepared, a disaster can leave you feeling dazed or numb, sad, helpless or anxious — or simply glad to be alive.

Normal reactions to stress

It is common to:

• have bad memories or dreams;
• avoid places or people that remind you of what happened;
• have trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating;
• be short-tempered and quick to anger.

These are all normal reactions to stress.

When it is too much

Sometimes the stress is too much to handle alone. Some people have long-term problems after a disaster, such as:

• post-traumatic stress disorder;
• depression;
• self-blame;
• suicidal thoughts;
• alcohol or drug misuse.

If your reactions are getting in the way of your relationships, work or other important parts of life, talk to a counsellor or your health care provider. Treatments are available.

Sources

• "Coping with Disasters," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://medlineplus.gov/copingwithdisasters.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.