Surviving Storm
Stress: We know bad weather can bring bad
things. We usually prepare ahead of time, when possible, by
keeping a watchful eye on tracking dangerous weather
patterns that may form in our part of the world. Some
people stock up on resources to get through the storm, such
as flashlight batteries, bottled water, first aid kits or
other essential survival supplies, while others just do the
best they can to get through it. We usually know what to do
to survive the physical challenges of the storm
however most people don’t know how to deal with the
devastating emotional pressures that come after a
killer storm.
3 Stages of
Storm Stress:
Disaster, Recovery & Rebuilding Phases
Storm Stress Syndrome:
A natural disaster
creates tremendous emotional distress for everyone
experiencing it. Here are the normal signs and symptoms
after a life-threatening storm to consider in assessing how
you may have been affected negatively. The more indicators
that show up in a single category or in multiple categories,
the more you may be experiencing' Storm Stress Syndrome’
which is a common emotional condition after a major
disaster.
10 Things
to Know in a Crisis:
Life is harder than ever it
seems, yet not everyone seems to be completely overwhelmed
because of it. Why do some people face major life
transitions like financial stress, death, divorce, health
problems, job loss, or business problems with a hopeful
attitude of rebuilding and recovery while others just want
to hide in fear? Everyone will face times of major life
crisis, but not everyone will know how to respond to move
beyond the challenge today to build confidence tomorrow.
Here are ten things about crisis that will help guide you
through the process of managing stressful situations to come
out stronger on the other side.
PTSD signs/symptoms:
The person has experienced an
event that is outside the range of usual human experience
and that would be markedly distressing to almost anyone,
(e.g., serious threat to one’s life or physical integrity;
serious threat or harm to one’s children, spouse, or other
close relatives and friends; sudden destruction of one’s
home or community; or seeing another person who has recently
been, or is being, seriously injured or killed as the result
of an accident or physical violence).
Psychological Storm Surges:
The difference between the two
types of storm surge is significant because the damage to
life and property when the actual tidal wave of water hits
is often the biggest cause of death and destruction from a
hurricane. However, much of the damage from a psychological
storm surge happens ahead of a storm like this one, because
it's the growing stress, panic and anxiety of the unknown.
People have a normal need to feel in control of their
surroundings and monster storms, like hurricanes or tornados
take away all elements of control.
Grandfather's
story- stronger after the storms:
The worst of nature brought out
the best in people is a good way to explain the heartwarming
stories of neighbors connecting to each other as neighbors
to recover after the destruction from last years hurricane
season. Yet, I believe the greatest stories are the ones
thatwill be told a generation from now. Stories like this
one between an aged grandfather and his grand-kids during a
fierce afternoon thunderstorm some sixty years in the
future.
Stress- Positive coping skills:
Tips to rebuild your personal
energy and motivation through Physical, Emotional &
Spiritual coping skills
Stress- Negative coping skills:
Signs/symptoms of stress that
drain energy & lead to moody behavior through Physical,
Emotional & Spiritual coping skills.
Expert Advice American Family Safety
Archived Articles
Hurricane Watch American Family Safety:
As I write my inaugural column, Florida residents are
breathing a sigh of relief, having escaped the anticipated
wrath of Tropical Storm Arlene.
