This weeks blog is on coping with flood related distress and is a recap of information from the American Psychological Association website. If this is something that has happened to you or is threatening to happen it will be very stressful and anxiety evoking. Here are some things that can make you more resilient and better able to handle the stress.

  1. Share you feelings with others. Other people in your neighborhood and community are experiencing the same thing you are. It helps to share our feelings so we don’t feel so alone. Don’t forget to reach out to your friends and family members, as they will be there for you emotionally.
  2. Don’t look at the disaster as something that cannot be overcome. Just take things one step at a time and eventually you will get the things taken care of that you need to. Remember, there are others, families, friends, neighbors, and community that may be there to help you clean up or get resources.
  3. Don’t continually watch the news. The news is great for repeating the same crisis over and over and can just add to your distress. They like to show the worst of the worst.
  4. Recognize that change is part of life. This obviously isn’t your choice of a change, but we can’t control natural disasters. Remember to change the things that you can, and accept the things that you can’t.
  5. Make decisions and take action. Set your goals for moving forward instead of detaching and hoping things will get better on their own. Try to establish a new routine so daily life will be less stressful and start to take on a sense of normalcy-even if it’s just a place to eat and sleep.
  6. Things can be time for self-reflection and growth. A natural disaster may make you look at life differently and appreciate what is important. For example, if you lost your home and your family is safe, then that is what really matters. It may also bring you closer to family and friends.
  7. Take care of yourself. Engage in activities to relieve stress. Perhaps you can take some time to do some deep breathing or meditate. Try to eat healthy and rest. Refrain from using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope.

My hope is that you did not sustain any significant damage and that your loved ones are safe. If you feel that you hare having trouble functioning or experiencing too much stress, give me a call and I can give you some tools to help you cope 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas