Disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, flash floods, ice storms and explosions are sudden, unexpected traumatic events so extreme, so life threatening that they can trigger powerful extraordinary physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural stress reactions in survivors in order to cope. Emotional responses to imminent death, near misses, physical injury, separation from loved ones, and destruction of property are intense, acute and normal.

Some groups, especially farmers, have and are experiencing major anxiety triggered by a number of fears: fear of not locating generators to feed and water their animals, milk their cows and clean their barns; fears that generators would breakdown and animals die; fear of losing a life time's work. Others experience loss of income from business and jobs.

Some are concerned that they won't be able to pay bills, that government compensation programs or home insurance will not cover repair costs.

Some may find that past traumatic experiences are painfully relived as they have suffered cold, hunger and relocation.

These are only a few of the many stresses that you may face. However, one thing is clear:

Everyone wants to return
to a normal way of life.

So many feelings!

Here are some feelings we experience as a result of disasters:

Anxiety	Sadness	Helplessness
Fear	Confusion	Exasperation
Anger	Fatigue	Isolation
Irritation	Inadequacy

What's more, these feelings can:

• Affect our physical well being: headaches, fatigue, back pains, stomach aches, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, physical tension, tightness in neck and shoulders, rashes…
• Affect our emotional well being: afraid that a similar event may reoccur, have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, crying, discouraged, worried about the future.
• Affect our interpersonal relations: tension between couples, with children, at work. We get mad easily, shout, lack patience…

These reactions are NORMAL.

How to help ourselves and one another

Taking care of oneself:

• By talking with friends, relatives and those who will listen to us.
• By dealing with problems or feelings one step at a time.
• By easing up on our own expectations and those of others.
• By staying physically healthy: eating sensibly, allowing oneself sufficient time for sleep, and by getting plenty of physical exercise to let off steam, in order to maintain well-being and alertness of mind.
• By allowing oneself time for relaxation: walking, music, movies
• By driving carefully
• By avoiding drugs and alcohol.

• Talking things over and working out solutions together is important. We all need understanding and recognition.
• Learn to relax together. After a disaster we may feel guilty when we are not busy at something. It is important to take a break, to allow oneself to rebuild the energy that we will need to carry out the tasks ahead.
• Visit with relatives and friends. Go out to a movie. Taking time out is not a cop out.
• Reassure other family members who may be worried about our well-being.

Children and teenagers experience fears and anxieties that are expressed in a variety of ways, depending on their ages. What is important to realize is that a child who is afraid is "truly afraid". Their fears need to be taken seriously and their feelings understood and respected. Listed below are common stress reactions that children experience in traumatic situations:

• Younger children cannot express themselves verbally. They show anxieties and fears by reverting to behaviours they have outgrown such as whining, bed wetting, thumb sucking, wanting to be held, wanting help getting dressed etc.
• Older children have a greater awareness of danger to themselves, their family, friends and environment. Loss of prized possessions, especially pets, seems to hold a special meaning. Other reactions to be expected include: fear of being injured or separated from parents, fear that the event may reoccur, headaches, nightmares, nervousness, sibling rivalries and quarrels, and some regressive reactions.
• Teenagers express their fears and anxieties in age-appropriate ways. Some reactions includes: physical complaints, headaches, sadness, acting, sleeplessness, confusion, isolation, being short tempered and rebellious.
• Encourage our children to talk. Ask them about the ice storm and their experiences and fears.
• Listen to what our children have to say about their fears, feelings, or thoughts on the disaster. This will help them make sense of the situation and deal with their own feelings. If possible include the whole family in the discussion. Share our own reactions with them but model restraint and control so they can feel reassured and more secure.
• Spend time with our children. Make them feel understood and loved. Find ways to involve them. Encourage them to participate in our caretaking tasks and to offer help to others. They will feel better for being part of the community. It will also give them a sense of control over what is happening.

The elderly are an independent, resourceful group who have weathered many storms and want a voice in identifying their own needs and planning the services to meet them. However, because the elderly, like other, do experience emotional reactions and stress, intervenors should be prepared to identify and assist individuals who experience brief reactions of depression, confusion and disorganization in the weeks following the event or a sense of helplessness, despair and depression when confronted with the tasks of rebuilding their lives.

• Visit older people we know.
• Give them the opportunity to talk about their fears, their needs, what they are going through.
• Provide concrete assistance: take them somewhere, involve them in recreational activities
• Respect their choices and opinions
• Explain to them what is going on.
• Protect them from unscrupulous repairmen and contractors by referring them to consumer organizations.
• Involve them in the recovery process. They have a wealth of expertise.

• By taking part in meetings to provide information or create solidarity.
• By joining self-help groups.

Past experiences have shown that, after such a strenuous and sustained effort, it may take several weeks to adjust to "regular" routines. Families who had to relocate because of the event may also require several weeks to feel comfortable together again.

Here are some common reactions that we can expect in the weeks following the Disaster:

• Fatigue, neck and backaches, headaches, stomach problems.
• Difficulty sleeping and eating.
• Helplessness, fragility, vulnerability, and being overwhelmed.
• Poor concentration, confusion, disorganization, memory problems, difficulty solving problems.
• Fear of recurrence; overly vigilant to environment.
• Anger at senselessness of what happened, at lack of understanding of others.
• Withdrawing and isolating oneself from families and friends or talking incessantly about the event.
• Impatience.
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs.

• It is important to tell oneself and one another that these are normal reactions of people who have gone through a prolonged period of stress. However, we have to be aware that some reactions can jeopardize our physical and mental health well being if they remain for too long.
• Communicate openly and honestly about our reactions. Others are probably experiencing similar reactions.
• Clarify feelings and assumptions about our partner. Remember that men and women react differently. Women tend to be caretakers and put others first. Men have difficulty acknowledging and expressing feelings of helplessness and sadness, and believe in toughing it out.
• Get enough rest to increase our reserve strength. Strenuous exercise is helpful.
• Visit with friends. Continue to participate in previous social and recreational activities.
• Strenuous exercise and sleep are helpful.
• Family and friends need to be aware of the stress reactions that can surface after an event such as the one we have just experienced. Be patient. Ask one another how we are doing. Take time to listen
• Avoid making major decisions while in a state of distress. Give oneself time and opportunity for second thoughts.