Dealing with Post Natural Disaster Fatigue

Researchers have identified the three most common mental health disorders diagnosed post natural disaster to be PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. We at Karuna Behavioral Health want to extend our heartfelt condolences to our fellow Tampa Bay residents who have felt loss during these two recent hurricanes that have ravaged our area. We are stronger together rather than alone! These natural disasters highlight a key element of the human experience regarding things out of our control and our minds suffering consequences from going through these experiences. It is important to note that seeking help with navigating the negative emotions and feelings that may arise after going through a natural disaster is vital for many individuals who do not know how to manage these alone. Loss can come in many different shapes and sizes and oftentimes the “invisible” loss which is not tangible can be the most damaging to an individual's state of mind. Post natural disaster, the process can very much mimic the stages of grief and how someone may develop certain negative behaviors if they are unsure of how to navigate the stages of grief in a healthy manner. Below are 4 tips that we at Karuna Behavioral Health believe are vital to working through what comes after a natural disaster has hit.

• Remember that you are not alone and seek out support where this is needed. Isolating from others due to not wanting to be a “burden” is only the negative part of your brain telling you that your problems are not as big as others and therefore you do not deserve the help. There are many resources that become available after a natural disaster hits. A great place to look is findhelp.org or calling 211 

• Do not panic and focus on what you can and cannot control. When we allow ourselves to panic and become overwhelmed with our stress, high cortisol levels prevent other necessary functions in our mind and body from working properly. 

• Develop lists of what needs to be done first and focus on the present. Make a list that is comprised of only tasks that can be completed in the immediate and do not allow yourself to focus too far on the future as this can lead to then not being able to get anything done because the amount of things that need to be done is too much for you to handle

• Do not allow fear to consume you. Oftentimes when we have tragic and negative events happen in our lives that are outside of our control, our relationship with fear becomes all encompassing. Fear is a vital emotion for us to have because it prevents us from taking unnecessary risks. Brainstorm for yourself how to maintain a healthy relationship with fear instead of allowing your fears to prevent you from continuing forward in your life towards your goals, dreams, and passions. 

The Meaning Behind “Karuna”

Karuna is a Sanskrit word from the Buddhist religion defined as compassion or mercy, which is a feeling of concern for self or others which makes a person have a desire to help. Karuna Behavioral Health was founded as a program for individuals seeking to learn how to develop self compassion as well as learn to be the best version of themselves. When an individual lacks connection and care for both self and others this can be a direct correlation to depression, anxiety, loneliness and other pervasive mental health related issues. Karuna is a word that can have multiple meanings, however the focus of our program is on developing self love as well as learning how to connect with others through empathy and understanding. A lack of self compassion can have a direct negative impact on your mental health. Our program will take you through the steps necessary to heal and empower your connection with yourself and others.

Coming this fall to the Tampa Bay area, Karuna Behavioral Health is an Intensive Outpatient/Outpatient Mental Health program that will allow for self discovery and self growth for motivated individuals seeking to improve their mental health. Karuna Behavioral Health is a comprehensive program that consists of both group and individual therapy with licensed professionals. Further announcements to come!