How to Manage Emotional Reactions and Stress After Hurricanes
Stress for all of us grows when we feel pushed and/or pulled in various seemingly impossible directions at once. Hurricane Ian was a HUGE stressor for us all! Let’s face it, stress grows as we become more and more fatigued from trying to meet our needs and that of our spouses’ needs/expectations, as well as, from the usually unfounded fear of somehow letting our family down at a time of transition or crisis.
It is important to recognize that it is common for us to experience very strong emotional reactions when the arrival of a extreme stressor like a hurricane and its accompanying damage to homes and entire communities is not only eminent but present.
It is even more important to rely on others i.e. your partner, family, friends, co-workers for support. Something as simple as a shower, water to alleviate sanitation needs, food, being kind in stores, at grocery stores and gas stations. Patience when cleaning up yard debris, spending a great deal of time together in close quarters, etc. This can create added stress when attempting to create a support system, comfort system.
If you are experiencing distress, you are not alone. Understanding common responses to extreme events can help you to cope effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
There are several steps you can take in the wake of a hurricane including the following:
- Recognize/Acknowledge that this is a challenging and difficult time. Take things one step at a time. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Don’t do anything to compromise your emotional or physical safety or that of your loved ones.
- You and your partner may be experiencing uncomfortable reactions such as shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, distractibility, irritability, hunger, anger. These are normal under the circumstances. Abnormal reactions are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation (which is what WE are experiencing!)
- Allow grace for yourself and your partner that despite experiencing a shared event you are experiencing them differently.
- Allow yourself and your partner to mourn the losses you have experienced. Recognize that you may experience a variety of emotions and that your partner may have different feelings of loss.
- Attempt to communication your feelings of loss and listen to your partner’s possible different feelings of loss.
- Ask for support from your partner, you are both vulnerable. Recognize that your partner cares about you, will listen, and empathize with your situation (they are there too!).
If you experience difficulties sleeping, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs since these can increase a sense of depression and/or impede you from doing what is necessary to be resilient and cope with events. Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress – Mayo Clinic