Natural Disasters
A sense of horror
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Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Wildfires. Floods. Avalanches. These are just a few of the kinds of natural disasters that occur all over the United States. Over 400 people in the United States died last year as a result of a weather-related disaster, according to the National Weather Service. Storms, extreme temperatures and other disasters contributed to losses of more than 18 billion dollars in the U.S. in 2016. That figure includes more than 243 million dollars in crop damage. Unfortunately, the damage to the emotional health of survivors of such disasters cannot be easily measured. Traumatic events like hurricanes or large-scale fires are marked by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury or the threat of serious injury or death. Traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and the friends and relatives of victims who have been involved. They may also have an impact on people who have seen the event either firsthand or on television.
Amount of exposure
Natural disasters affect different people in different ways. The amount of exposure to the disaster is in direct relation to the risk of future mental problems. At highest risk are those that go through the disaster themselves. Next are those in close contact with victims. At lower risk of lasting impact are those who only had indirect exposure, such as news of the severe damage. Injury and life threat are the factors that lead most often to mental health problems. Studies have looked at severe recent natural disasters and the findings show that at least half of the survivors suffered from distress or mental health problems that needed clinical care. Women or girls tend to suffer more negative effects than do men or boys. Women with spouses also experience more distress during recovery. Adults between the ages of 40 and 60 are likely to be more distressed after disasters, most likely because those in that age range have more demands from job and family.
Stress and anxiety
It’s common to experience an increased level of stress and anxiety after dealing with a natural disaster. If you understand what is happening when you or someone you know reacts to a traumatic event, you may be less fearful and better able to handle things. Disaster survivors may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and feel hopeless about the future. It’s not unusual for them to feel jumpy or easily startled. They may also have disturbing dreams or memories revolving around the disaster. Some survivors experience physical reactions to traumatic events. They may have trouble sleeping, have an upset stomach or difficulty in eating. They may also suffer from a headache or rapid breathing when recalling the event. Victims of a natural disaster often suffer with emotional troubles, becoming easily upset or agitated. They may periodically display a lack of trust in others and have a tendency to withdraw or feel rejected or abandoned.
OK to feel upset
Natural disasters can leave children feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced trauma, has merely seen the event on television or has heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur. Children may respond to a disaster by demonstrating fears, sadness or behavioral problems. Younger children may return to earlier behavior patterns, such as bedwetting, sleep problems and separation anxiety. Older children may also display anger, aggression, school problems or withdrawal. Some children who have only indirect contact with the disaster but witness it on television may develop distress. If your child displays such actions, let them know that it is OK to feel upset when something bad or scary happens. Encourage them to express their feelings without making any judgments and try to help them return to their daily routines.
Social support
Survivors of a natural disaster who display symptoms of depression or self-blame tend to recover within three months without treatment. Sometimes the symptoms don’t go away on their own and they need professional help. Social support is one of the keys to recovery after any kind of trauma. Social support increases well-being and limits distress after a disaster. Being connected to others makes it easier to obtain knowledge needed for recovery. Social support, whether it’s assistance in solving financial problems or the sharing of experiences in a group setting, is beneficial to disaster victims. Keep in mind that while millions have been directly affected by disasters, most of them do recover. Human nature is resilient, and most people have the ability to come back from a disaster. And sometimes people report positive changes after a disaster. They may re-think what is truly important and come to appreciate what they value most in life.
Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as the host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.