Red Cross counselors have some advice for people affected by the recent floods.
Be aware that the emotional wallop of disasters often happens after the emergency, as people return to their homes and workplaces and resume their lives.
People are so busy during the initial emergency that the emotional impact is delayed, said Tim Serban, director of spiritual care at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and a member of the national Red Cross spiritual care response team.
“When you get off autopilot is when it settles in,” he said.
As people leave emergency shelters and return to their homes, they’re often emotionally overwhelmed with the tasks that face them, Serban said. They say, “Gosh, we have so much to do, the carpets, the insulation, taking that all out. It’s exhausting.”
Lyle O’Neel, who is helping coordinate the Red Cross mental health response teams in Western Washington, said it’s important for people to know that what they’re feeling is normal.
“You can’t downplay the seriousness of being involved in a disaster,” O’Neel said. “It’s emotionally fatiguing.”
What needs to be emphasized, he said, is that while disasters affect people in different ways, “resiliency … that process of adapting … is what gives us the strength to get through disasters.
“All of us are much more resilient than we sometimes give ourselves credit for,” he said.
Signs of emotional distress include fatigue, intense reactions, crying for no apparent reason, frustration, depression, sleeping problem and headaches, he said.
These feelings are pretty normal in the short term, he said. But if they continue for weeks or months, people should seek counseling.
The intense cleanup work that’s required after flood waters ebb can be physically and psychologically exhausting.
It’s important to schedule breaks from the work, O’Neel said. People should allow time for themselves and their families to enjoy other activities.
“Avoid seeing the crisis as insurmountable,” he said. Make plans for what steps can be taken each day to help solve problems.
And don’t hesitate to ask for help, Serban advised. “Know that your community is with you and you’re not alone.
“It’s a time when communities come together,” he said. “It could happen anywhere to any of us.”
After the flood
Who’s at risk: Anyone who has had losses because of the flooding. Children, seniors, the disabled and immigrants with limited English language skills are especially at risk.
What happens: Children can become afraid. The elderly may seem disoriented. The disabled may need extra assistance.
What to do: Try to keep daily routines as normal as possible. Get plenty of rest. Be sure to drink water regularly so as to not become dehydrated.
Plan some activities unrelated to cleaning up — anything that’s fun for you or your family. Ask friends and family for help.
Recognize: Recovery takes time; be patient.
Source: Snohomish County Chapter American Red Cross
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