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| Wednesday, 9 February 2005 |
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Tips for recovering from the tsunami disaster by Nimesh Samarasinghe
The tsunami disaster that struck the island on the 26th of December last year has left many scars in our minds. Healing the unseen wounds is of pivotal importance following any natural disaster. The very nature of the tsunami disaster has been sudden and overwhelming. In addition to the often-catastrophic toll on lives and property, the tsunami disaster will have an impact on those who have lost loved ones and even those who feel more vulnerable as a result of learning about the disaster. 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 in coping effectively with thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and will help along the path to recovery. What are the psychological difficulties encountered following a disaster? Shock and denial are typical responses to large scale unexpected natural disasters, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective reactions. Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state that may leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial involves not acknowledging that something very stressful has actually happened, or not experiencing full intensity of the event. One may temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life. As the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from one person to another, depending on the degree and intensity of trauma, their previous coping mechanisms and personality traits. The following, however, are normal responses to a traumatic life event: * Feelings become intense and sometimes unpredictable. One may become more irritable than usual, and suffer from mood swings. Anxiety and depression may be a common issue. * Thoughts and behaviour patterns are affected by the trauma. Flashbacks of the disaster may occur for no apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat or sweating. * Recurring emotional reactions are common. Anniversaries of the event, such as at one week, one month or one year, as well as reminders such as aftershocks from tsunami or the sounds of the wave, can trigger upsetting memories of the traumatic experience. The triggers may be accompanied by fears that the stressful event will be repeated. * Interpersonal relationships often become strained. Greater conflicts, such as more frequent arguments with family members are common. On the other hand some people become withdrawn and isolated and avoid usual activities. * Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress. For example headaches, nausea and chest pain may result and may require medical attention. Pre-existing medical conditions may worsen due to stress. Help tips? There are number of steps to help restore emotional well-being and a sense of control following a natural disaster, including the following: * "Time is a great healer". One needs to anticipate that this is going to be a difficult period in his/her life. Ventilation of feelings and mourning the losses will help. * Communicating the experience in whatever way that is comfortable to the survivor- such as talking to family members, close friends, health professionals or even keeping a diary will help. * Group therapy led by trained and experienced mental health professionals would be of help for people to realise that other individuals in the same circumstances often have similar reactions and emotions. * Engaging in healthy behaviours to enhance ability to cope with excessive stress may speed up recovery process. Balanced diet, moderate exercise and relaxation would be beneficial. Avoiding use of drugs and/or alcohol will help recovery. * Encouragement should be given to go back to previously enjoyed hobbies and healthy routines. * Draw strength from friends, family, and spiritual or religious beliefs and value traditions. * Regular physical health screenings can be of help to identify worsening of any pre-existing medical conditions or any new conditions. * Children's emotional well-being cannot be ignored. Children should be encouraged to ventilate feelings through interactions such as verbal communication, communication through stories and drawings. Games in groups would be of help too. * Children should be equally encouraged to get back to their regular healthy routines. For those struggling to cope from afar Even though someone has not been in the actual disaster one may experience a sense of vulnerability from witnessing the results of the disaster. * Take a newsbreak. Watching endless replays of footage from the disaster can increase stress levels * Be kind to yourself. Some feelings when witnessing a disaster may be difficult to accept. You may feel relief that the disaster did not touch you, or you may feel guilty that you were left untouched when so many were affected. Both feelings are normal. * Keep things in perspective. Although a disaster often is horrifying, you should focus as well on the things that are good in your life. * Find a productive way to help if you can. Many organisations are set up to provide financial or other aid to victims of natural disasters. Contributing can be a way to gain some "control" over the event. * Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of preserving through hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity have reported better relationships, greater sense of self-worth, deep spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life. |
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