It is difficult to deal with life after experiencing a trauma or a tragedy like a natural disaster. As much as you want to move on right away, having a positive outlook after a natural disaster seems to be exhausting and impossible.
But just like any challenges in life, you need to survive from this. You need to know that it is okay to feel down but it should never be a reason for you to break down.
How to move forward after a natural disaster?
You strive to have a positive outlook after a natural disaster because you do not want to scare or worry the people around you. It will never be easy and it will be a process but somehow as time goes by, you learn to accept and live with it.
1. Evaluate your situation.
You need to carefully look around and assess the intensity of the damage to your home. You need to know what to do next if a natural disaster hits you. You need to find shelter, food and other necessities for your family. Contact your insurance company about the damages. Call your other family members and even your local officials if you need assistance.
2. Stay safe.
Upon evaluating the damage of your home, you need to be aware that it is possible that your place is a danger zone. The last thing you want is to add another problem to an already problematic situation. If you smell gas, do not attempt to enter your house. There may be broken windows, chemicals or dead animals. Wait for your local authority to give you a signal that it is all safe.
3. Give yourself time to adjust.
Having a positive outlook after a natural disaster will not come easy. What you have experienced is traumatic especially if you lose your home or a loved one. It is okay to grieve and be sad about it.
It is not a pleasant event in your life and you need to be kind to yourself when you feel like crying. Just bear in mind that the sooner you accept your situation, the sooner you will feel better.
4. Find a support group.
You and your family have been through a lot and most times, it is not easy to understand why and to process what is happening. As survivors, you need to find a support group that will be there to listen to your stories. You need to be surrounded with people who have experienced similar situations. It is not just about asking for help but your situation may also be a big help to others.
5. Be physically and mentally healthy.
Not many people handle tragic events well. Some rely on alcohol, smoking and illegal substances and even to suicide because they have a hard time adjusting and accepting the situation. A study was conducted that indicated adults and children suffer depression after experiencing natural disasters.
Take care of your body as well as your mind to prevent making bad decisions that will greatly affect your family.
6. Do not make major decisions.
As much as you want to relocate to another town, you must think long and hard about making a big switch. If you relocate, you also need to consider your work and the school of your children. These decisions are not easy to make and they are even harder when you are in a stressful situation.
It is better if you wait when all the overwhelming feelings slowly subside. This is also an important matter that your family needs to know and has a say.
7. Always think about your family.
Your family, especially your children, must have a positive outlook after a natural disaster. Not all of them are resilient and they need time to get a full grasp on the situation. This is the time where you teach and show them that you need to move forward. It is unhealthy to dwell on this unpleasant event.
When should you ask for professional help?
The trauma you experience will live with you for days, for months and even for years. If there is a change in your sleeping and eating patterns, you need to worry. If you continue to feel anxious and depressed, it is time to ask for professional help. Attending a therapy near me and counseling sessions will help you get through this experience.
Mindshift Psychological Services open their doors to all survivors from natural disasters who want to be healed and moved on. They offer therapy near me and counseling sessions that will surely help those who are suffering from their traumas.
Some of their therapies include Trauma Therapy, Depression Therapy near me, Family Therapy and Psychotherapy for Individuals. Visit their website to know more about their excellent services and to schedule an appointment. You can also contact them at (714) 584-9700.
