by Kourtney Muñoz, American Red Cross PA Volunteer
Mental Health Resiliency Bolstered by Relationships, Resources
June 27 is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and while many people associate PTSD with soldiers returning home from war zones, PTSD can also impact anyone who has experienced or witnessed any type of life-threatening event including a natural disaster.
In the aftermath of a major disaster, a sort of triaging takes place as the drive to meet basic human needs kicks in. Some people feel even feel numb or detached, seemingly going on “auto-pilot.” It’s the mind’s way of protecting them until they can get to a safe place.
As this numbness dissipates, it may give way to grief, sadness, anxiety and guilt, and may trigger certain adverse behaviors including changes to sleeping and eating patterns, being physically and mentally drained, getting into arguments with family and friends, and inability to focus or make every-day decisions.
All of these feelings are part of the normal stress-response. And often, with the help of friends, family, counselors and support services, most people are able to process their feelings as related to the disaster in a healthy way, and these symptoms will improve after a couple of weeks.
Symptoms persisting for more than a month accompanied by feelings of intense fear, helplessness and stress are a cause for concern however, and an indicator of PTSD.
While the majority of people who undergo a traumatic experience will not develop PTSD, there are factors that may indicate a higher-risk. For example, lacking a strong social support network, witnessing a death, history of past trauma and feeling uncertain in one’s ability to meet basic needs immediately and in the future.
This is why, in addition to providing food, water and temporary shelter, the American Red Cross Disaster Recovery Teams focus on helping survivors plan for the immediate and long-term by providing access to essential resources.
KG Campanella-Green, who serves with the Red Cross as the Colorado/Wyoming Regional Advisor for Disaster Mental Health and the Northern Colorado Disaster Mental Health Lead, can attest to the importance of early intervention as a key factor in the emotional recovery process. “Most clients who are able to get the resources they need are less likely to experience extreme, lasting anxieties. We support clients in a way that best allows them to access their own resilience by making sure they have resources at their fingertips,” she said.
Clients are counseled on understanding their post-disaster reactions and emotions and what they may expect in the coming days, weeks and even months as they move through the recovery process. They’re provided information on how to access mental health counseling 24/7 through such organizations as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and offered guidance on self-care and coping mechanisms.
Campanella-Green advises, “It’s important to stay connected with the people you care about, that you’re doing things that keep you healthy like exercise and getting an appropriate amount of sleep. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like extreme alcohol or drug consumption.” Not addressing PTSD can lead to long-term health problems resulting from unhealthy coping methods and behaviors including co-occurring conditions like substance abuse or mental health disorders, which is why mental health services are a critical element in disaster recovery. “Everybody is scrambling to get their need their basic needs met,” Campanella-Green said. “They’re not necessarily thinking about their mental health, which is why our services are so critical.”
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
If you or anyone you know has experienced trauma and has been exhibiting any of the following behaviors and symptoms for the more than four weeks, contact your medical provider or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline.
- Recurring nightmares or flashbacks where you feel the same terror as when the event took place
- Seeing, hearing or smelling something that causes you to relive the event
- Avoiding situations or people that trigger memories of the event including loved ones and friends
- Feeling constantly keyed up, jittery or always on alert
- Difficulty concentrating or making basic decisions
- Significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns