Posted by Tina
The Camp fire in Paradise that destroyed most of Paradise and surrounding areas has been a shocking and devastating experience. Emotions and stress take a toll and unfortunately these will not be abated for some time. There are many decisions to be made and many steps ahead in the sheltering and rebuilding processes. Authorities today did their best to assure the people even as they informed them that this process will take years, a hard pill to swallow for apeople and families who’ve lost not only their homes but everything they once owned…it’s overwhelming. People that have faced this type of disaster or assisted other that have offer advice to help make the long process less stressfulful and unhealthy. I gathered together ideas from several sources. Please add to the list if you wish.
Talk about it. By talking with others about the event, you can relieve stress and realize that others share your feelings.
Spend time with friends and family. They can help you through this tough time. If your family lives outside the area, stay in touch by phone. If you have any children, encourage them to share their concerns and feelings about the disaster with you.
Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise, and eat properly. If you smoke or drink coffee, try to limit your intake, since nicotine and caffeine can also add to your stress.
Limit exposure to images of the disaster. Watching or reading news about the event over and over again will only increase your stress.
Find time for activities you enjoy. Read a book, go for a walk, catch a movie or do something else you find enjoyable. These healthy activities can help you get your mind off the disaster and keep the stress in check.
Take one thing at a time. For people under stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. “Checking off” tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and make things feel less overwhelming.
Do something positive. Give blood, prepare “care packages” for people who have lost relatives or their homes or jobs, or volunteer in a rebuilding effort. Helping other people can give you a sense of purpose in a situation that feels ‘out of your control.’
Avoid drugs and excessive drinking. Drugs and alcohol may temporarily seem to remove stress, but in the long run they generally create additional problems that compound the stress you were already feeling.
Ask for help when you need it. If your feelings do not go away or are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function in daily life, talk with a trusted relative, friend, doctor or spiritual advisor about getting help. Make an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss how well you are coping with the recent events. You could also join a support group. Don’t try to cope alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
As a praying person I highly recommend prayer and/or meditation. Taking a few minutes or more each day of quiet reflection is of tremendous help in times of trouble and loss.
I also recommend laughter. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Also smile, even when you don’t feel like it…experts say the simple act can do wonders to lift your mood and make you feel more hopeful.
The authorities have done a good deed in telling the people it will take years to recover and rebuild. The truth, difficult as it may be, acts as a protector against unreasonable expectations which can be a real stress inducers. One day at a time, one problem at a time, with as much grace as can be mustered will see the people of Paradise through.
Related resources: Help Guide, “Traumatic Stress – Dealing with Trauma After a Disaster or Disturbing Event”
The Odyssey Online, ” 10 Things To Do In Times of Stress – Sometimes we all need a little bit of help to relieve stress”
Crosswalk, “A Prayer in Times of Natural Disaster”
I got some photos from a friend, showing the bulldozer tracks all around the house, burnt trees, my winter supply of firewood gone, but the house still standing. How do you thank firefighters who saved our home and all the stuff accumulated there for more than 36 years?
Before the photos I got a tiny glimpse of what thousands of others are going through now. God bless them.
Hey Cherokee it’s good to hear from you! I threw up a prayer for you when it became clear that Cherokee was in the path of the monster.
So glad your home was spared…too bad about the firewood. A loss is a loss, after all.
I share the sense of awe you feel toward the firefighters and first responders, they’ve done an incredible job…and so many thousands who lost their homes. Thank you may seem inadequate but I’m sure they appreciate it in any case. God bless all affected.
The people I know who were missing are all accounted for now, and alive by the skin of their teeth…but all lost their homes. One and her extended family lost four homes.
Thank God for the pioneer spirit that seems to be alive and well among the people. It will be a period of great challenge.
Nice to hear some good news out of so much heart breaking devastation.
How do you thank firefighters who saved our home and all the stuff accumulated there for more than 36 years?
Fill The Boot