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Crisis > Help
After Disaster
Coping With Troubled Times
In the aftermath of
traumatic events and uncertainty about the future, it is common to respond
with powerful feelings of shock, grief, anger, and anxiety.
As time passes, we
adjust to a “new normal”.
The following suggestions are offered to help manage anxious
feelings.
Powerful Emotions Are
a Normal Reaction
First, it is
important to recognize that experiencing powerful emotions is a normal
reaction to very troubling times. It is also normal to have feelings that
are less intense and are more-or-less constant: to feel worried, jittery,
irritable or “out-of-sorts”. People who have previously experienced
trauma, depression or anxiety disorders may be especially vulnerable to
recurrence or worsening of their symptoms.
Specific Suggestions
To help yourself
through these times we suggest:
- Use the resources and
skills that have served you well in the past.
- Stay connected with family
and friends or seek connections through support groups in your
community.
- Make time for activities
you enjoy and find relaxing - talking with friends, reading, listening
to music, walking outdoors.
- Take control of the
situations where you can: For example, shutting off the television or
cleaning a closet can help restore a sense of control over our days.
- Avoid situations that make
you anxious wherever possible.
- Remember that humor
relieves tension.
- Take care of your physical
health:
Exercise reduces stress.
Eat well. Do not rely on junk food or alcohol to reduce stress.
Be
careful - being preoccupied and distracted makes it likelier to have
accidents.
- Be informed of current
news but do not watch or listen repetitively. Continuous monitoring of
the news can magnify anxious feelings.
- Seek professional help if
depression and anxiety are not decreasing or if they interfere with your
ability to do what you usually do.
Other Resources
Within this web
site you may find these sections especially helpful. They also contain
links to other resources on the internet.
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