This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network

Enter search keyword Choose search category This Site Mental Health at HHS All Mental Health

Hurricane Katrina and     Disaster Relief Information SAMHSA DTAC Services FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Personal Preparedness Funding Information Resources for People with Disabilities Education and Training Resources Recursos en Español Events Calendar CMHS Homepage CSAT Homepage CSAP Homepage About Us Contact Us SAMHSA DTAC Homepage  CMHS Programs:   Go to... Children's Campaign Community Support Emergency Services Financing HIV/AIDS Homelessness Managing Anxiety Mental Health Statistics Protection & Advocacy Special Programs State Planning Traumatic Events Suicide Prevention Programs Homepage  CMHS Activities:   Go to... 15+ School Violence Stigma Suicide Prevention Surgeon General

printer friendly page e-mail this page bookmark this page shopping cart  current or new account

This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

After The Disaster

After experiencing the shock and pain of the disaster, you will be very busy for the next few days or weeks. Caring for your immediate needs, perhaps finding a new place to stay, planning for cleanup and repairs, and filing claim forms may occupy the majority of your time. As the immediate shock wears off, you will start to put your life back together. Most people experience normal reactions as a result of the disaster. Generally, these feelings don't last long, but it is common to feel let down and resentful many months after the event. Some feelings or responses may not appear until weeks or even months after the disaster.

Some common responses are:

Many victims of disaster will have at least one of the above responses. Acknowledging your feelings and stresses is the first step to feeling better. Other helpful actions include:

• Talk about your disaster experiences. Sharing your feelings rather than holding them in will help you feel better about the experience.
• Take time off from cares, worries, and home repairs. Engage in recreation, relaxation, or a favorite hobby. Getting away from home for a day or a few hours with close friends also can help.
• Pay attention to your health, a good diet, and adequate sleep. Relaxation exercises may help if you have difficulty sleeping.
• Prepare for possible future emergencies to help lessen feelings of helplessness and to achieve peace of mind.
• Rebuild personal relationships in addition to repairing other aspects of your life. Couples should make time to be alone together, to talk, and to have fun.

If stress, anxiety, depression, or physical problems continue, you may wish to contact the post-disaster services provided by your local mental health disaster recovery program.

Please take this sheet with you today and reread it over the next few weeks and months. Being aware of your feelings and sharing them with others is an important part of your recovery.