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.
