Managing Traumatic Stress: After Hurricane Katrina
Anna Hellwedge
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Human Interest
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BILOXI, Miss. - Edward Moses, a minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Biloxi, Miss., was out Tuesday looking for members of his congregation. He found Lionel Burbridge at home. Burbridge and his sister rode out the hurricane in their house, trying to help a sick neighbor. "Water come in up to my neck," remembers Burbridge. "And then I had to fight to save both of them. I could not do it. It was too much for me to handle." His sister drowned. In such a massive tragedy there is no way of knowing who will suffer long-term mental effects. But studies of previous disasters show that 20 percent of victims end up with post-traumatic stress disorder. (ABC News, Sept 6,05)
When a natural disaster hits a community, the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. Disasters of this type can be unexpected and overwhelming. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.
What happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event?
Shock and denial are usual responses to natural disasters, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions. Shock is a sudden and intense disturbance of your emotional state that may leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial involves your not acknowledging that something very stressful has happened, or not experiencing fully the intensity of the event. You may temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life. It is important for you to realize that there is not one 'standard' pattern of reaction to the traumatic experiences. Some people respond immediately, while others have delayed reactions, sometimes months or even years later. And reactions can change over time. Some who have suffered from trauma are energized initially by the event to help them with the challenge of coping, only to later become discouraged or depressed.
How to cope?
Here are some tips to cope with a traumatic experience: Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be patient with changes in your emotional state. Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your situation. Communicate your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you - such as by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary.
For more information, please contact the Counseling Center at 4275, Massman 5. (resources from apa.org)
When a natural disaster hits a community, the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. Disasters of this type can be unexpected and overwhelming. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.
What happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event?
Shock and denial are usual responses to natural disasters, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions. Shock is a sudden and intense disturbance of your emotional state that may leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial involves your not acknowledging that something very stressful has happened, or not experiencing fully the intensity of the event. You may temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life. It is important for you to realize that there is not one 'standard' pattern of reaction to the traumatic experiences. Some people respond immediately, while others have delayed reactions, sometimes months or even years later. And reactions can change over time. Some who have suffered from trauma are energized initially by the event to help them with the challenge of coping, only to later become discouraged or depressed.
How to cope?
Here are some tips to cope with a traumatic experience: Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be patient with changes in your emotional state. Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your situation. Communicate your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you - such as by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary.
For more information, please contact the Counseling Center at 4275, Massman 5. (resources from apa.org)