September is National Preparedness Month. This month we are sending out regular posts about things you can do in your home to be prepared if an emergency or disaster occurs.
#28- Disaster Distress
It’s normal for people to experience emotional distress during an emergency. Simply anticipating the possibility of what could be lost or destroyed can cause people to experience overwhelming anxiety or lose sleep. Other signs of emotional distress include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and things
- Having low or no energy
- Having unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Excessive smoking, drinking or using drugs, including prescription medications
- Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
- Having difficulty readjusting to home or work life
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Fearing that forecasted storms may develop into something disastrous, even when the chances they will are low
- Having thoughts and memories related to a previous emergency that you can’t get out of your head
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Get support: call or text 800-985-5990.
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