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Traumatic Stress - What It Is, How to Help
The
Phases of Traumatic Stress Professionals in mental health acknowledge that post-disaster periods for survivors follow predictable phases. The following descriptions are not inclusive and individual reactions, of course, may vary. Phase I Occurs at the time of the emergency or immediately afterward. Represents the period of strongest emotions:
Residents are often called upon to take heroic measures to save themselves, family, friends, or property. Divisions among neighbors, races, or religious groups are forgotten as all attempt to help one another to survive. The prevailing attitude is one of cooperation, with neighbor helping neighbor, and a prevailing deep sense of community. Phase II Occurs one week to several months after the disaster. Emotions that are common include:
As relief from private, state, and federal agencies begins to take effect, expectations for recovery are high. Anticipated financial relief and volunteer efforts reflect an optimism that recovery will be complete. At the same time, conflicting emotions begin to surface. Anger and suspicion reside where there once was a feeling of mutual trust and kinship. Irritability and physical complaints such as digestive problems, changes in appetite, difficulties in sleeping, and headaches become common. Anger, suspicion, and apathy may surface. Depression occurs with a withdrawal from family and friends and a heightened anxiety about the future. Victims begin cleaning up debris and sorting out salvageable belongings. Community groups that develop from specific needs caused by the disaster are especially important and enjoy widespread community support. Phase III The third phase, generally lasting up to a year, is characterized by strong feelings of disappointment, resentment, and bitterness if delays occur and hopes for and promises of government aid are not fulfilled. Outside agencies may pull out, and some of the indigenous community groups may weaken and disappear. During this phase, victims may gradually lose the feeling of shared community found earlier as they concentrate on solving their own problems. Phase IV The last phase, reconstruction, may last several years if not the remainder of the lives of some victims. During this time the victims of large-scale disasters realize that they will need to solve the problems of rebuilding their home, businesses, and lives largely by themselves, and they gradually assume responsibility for doing so. The appearance of new buildings replacing old ones, the development of new programs and plans, can serve to reaffirm the victims belief in their community and their own capabilities. When such positive events are delayed, however, emotional problems which do appear may be serious and intense. Community groups -- political, economic, religious, fraternal -- with a long term investment in the community and its people are crucial elements to successful reconstruction.
Age Specific Reactions to Stress The following have been noted as age-specific reactions of individuals to disaster. These reactions to stress may appear immediately after the disaster or after the passage of days or weeks. The following composite list of adult reactions (not children or adolescents) is not all-inclusive.
Emotional
Helping
With the Emotional Results of a Disaster Don't expect that seniors will recover in a certain amount of time. Emotional consequences which occur after a traumatic experience are different for each individual. Many people may not experience these feelings until after survival issues such as safety, food, power, and shelter are adequately managed. Encourage the senior and the family to create a comfortable routine. Even if they are not able to go to work or do their familiar routine, encourage them to get up, get dressed and plan activities and tasks for the day. Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and what has happened. Tell them to encourage their family, friends and others to do the same. Sometimes listening to how others feel is therapeutic. Encourage them to take advantage of assistance that is available from all sources. Research has shown that those who do not use this assistance recover more slowly. Encourage them to ask for help. Many people will be seeking services from counselors, ministers, psychologists, etc. They need to be reminded to select these helpers carefully and ask them about their experience with survivors of trauma and disaster. Emotional recovery is much like rebuilding. It takes much more time than expected and the new building is never exactly the same as the one it replaces.
Additional
Resources to Help You Help Others
If you need to refer a person to a mental health professional, contact your local mental health agency or access the Mental Health Services Locator at 1-800-789-2647.
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