Disaster victims are likely to experience at least one of several emotional responses: anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, or increased alcohol or drug use.
MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS SUGGEST A NUMBER OF WAYS TO RELIEVE THE SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS:
- Talk about your feelings with family, friends and neighbors. These people are good medicine, and sharing common experiences helps people overcome anxiety and feelings of helplessness.
- Get back into daily routines as soon as you can, and try to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
- If you continue to have the symptoms described above for an extended period of time, consider consulting a mental health professional.