Surviving the Storm- Surviving the Stress

Guest Blogger Tom Moriarty

Tropical storm Lee spread raging flood waters across large areas of PA leaving behind a path of physical destruction to roadways, damaged utilities, damaged or destroyed businesses and homes. Regretfully, some lives were lost and numerous people suffered injuries. Since the flood waters have receded, most victims are trying to get their lives back to normal by cleaning their residence of damaged property, making repairs and returning to daily routines.

Unfortunately, as disaster survivors struggle to rebuild their lives, they are usually unaware of the emotional devastation and intense stress they are experiencing. To fully recover, victims must look after their own mental health and that of their loved ones. Children who have experienced a disaster are especially vulnerable.

No one who experiences a disaster is left untouched by it. Most people do not believe they may need mental health services after a disaster. Individual emotional recovery is difficult while a community remains in shreds and victims’ lives are basically out of control.

Witnessing massive destruction of a disaster, such as recent flooding, can cause feelings of anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness, sadness and loss of control. In addition to seeing the destruction, injury to self or others, loss of loved ones, fear for life until rescued can all be emotionally traumatic experiences. While all these reactions are normal, they usually will subside within five weeks. Remember, each person will react differently. Should someone you know becomes overwhelmed and depressed that they are talking about self-harm, get them emergency medical attention.

Disasters an be traumatic for individuals because they are outside the usual range of human experiences. Survivors can be overwhelmed by the loss of control over most parts of their lives following a disaster. Therefore, it is extremely important to manage your stress and trauma and that of your loved ones. Be willing to discuss your feelings with shelter staff. They are well trained to help you with concerns and needs.

Stress, Mental Health and Coping

To help reduce high levels of disaster stress, have an emergency plan. Being caught unprepared does not help when you lose access to food, water and electricity. If you are evacuated to a shelter or rescued from danger, you may be taken to a Red Cross shelter. While going to a shelter can be very stressful, the Red Cross can help you and your family to start to regain control over your life.

People Most At Risk

 Those with mental health issues such as addictions
 Serious medical conditions
 Those who lost a loved one or pet
 Injury to self
 Lose of home and treasured possessions
 Uncertain about future/sense of isolation and hopelessness

Helping Children

Children are easily frightened by disasters. Children who are separated from parents must be reunited as soon as possible. Often very young children regress in their behavior. They will cry a lot, cling to adults and have difficulty sleeping. Older children can get headaches, body aches and become disobedient or socially withdrawn.

Actions to help children:

 Assure your children they are safe
 Listen to their fears and worries
 Let them express feelings and fears
 Correct misunderstandings
 Show patience

Helping Yourself to Cope

The recent “historical flooding” that caused many evacuations and rescues from danger placed significant levels of stress on thousands of victims. As soon as you and your family are physically safe, start to take control of your life. Get information on the following issues:

 What is still happening with the disaster?
 What is being done to help people?
 What helping services are available?
 Learn about health care services including mental health services.

Obtaining the above information will help you to regain that sense of control over your life. Develop a plan and set priorities, locate financial resources to repair damage and replace property losses. If you have lost employment, apply for unemployment.

Assistance with all your physical and emotional needs can be obtained at a Disaster Recover Center (DRC) established in disaster impacted communities.

Fortunately, emotional reactions to a disaster are usually temporary and do not imply a serious mental health problem. If after an average time of five weeks, your stress reactions do not improve, contact your county mental health agency for additional assistance.


- Guest Blogger Tom Moriarty is a group crisis intervention instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and a disaster mental health consultant for Franklin County and Fulton County. Tom is also a consultant for the Pennsylvania State Police Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team.