Natural Disaster Trauma
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, assault or natural disaster." However, Peter Levine (a well-known psychological trauma theorist) characterizes trauma not by the event but by one's reactions to it and symptoms. He explains that "any overwhelming and distressing experience" can cause trauma and that trauma is only recognizable its symptoms. ( APA Website )
Like many causes of trauma, natural disasters can be sudden and overwhelming. The most immediate and typical reaction to a calamity is shock, which at first manifests as numbness or denial. Quickly—or eventually—shock can give way to an overemotional state that often includes high levels of anxiety, guilt or depression.
People might have lost their loved ones or their homes. As a result they may feel helpless, they may have to live in camps or shelters without support from relatives or friends for extended time periods. However, living with other survivors can also be a time to reconnect, talk about the event with others, and help to reframe the event. Being able to help another survivor can reduce helplessness, and may start the healing process.
Natural disasters in particular can bring victims a feeling of being betrayed by "their god," which can result in a loss of faith. Making peace with "the divine" might be one step toward healing and gaining faith (which can be crucial to health) back. ( APA Website )
Like many causes of trauma, natural disasters can be sudden and overwhelming. The most immediate and typical reaction to a calamity is shock, which at first manifests as numbness or denial. Quickly—or eventually—shock can give way to an overemotional state that often includes high levels of anxiety, guilt or depression.
People might have lost their loved ones or their homes. As a result they may feel helpless, they may have to live in camps or shelters without support from relatives or friends for extended time periods. However, living with other survivors can also be a time to reconnect, talk about the event with others, and help to reframe the event. Being able to help another survivor can reduce helplessness, and may start the healing process.
Natural disasters in particular can bring victims a feeling of being betrayed by "their god," which can result in a loss of faith. Making peace with "the divine" might be one step toward healing and gaining faith (which can be crucial to health) back. ( APA Website )
How do I respond to a natural disaster? - Websites and Resources
Fema , Ready , and NYC.gov are federal websites designed to help people gain knowledge about what to do during a natural disaster. Above you will find lists , disaster-specific do's and don'ts and helpful tips on how to handle the stress of being in-charge of a family during a disaster.
Helpful Videos
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Contact Resources
Kentucky Emergency Management
100 Minuteman Parkway
Frankfort, KY 40601
24 Hour Phone
800.255.2587
Christian Appalachian Project
485 Ponderosa Drive
P.O. Box 1768
Paintsville, KY 41240
1-866–270–4CAP (4227)
The Homeless Shelter Directory of America
http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/
National Crisis/Trauma Hotline Numbers
http://ptsdusa.org/get-help/hotline-crisis-numbers/
100 Minuteman Parkway
Frankfort, KY 40601
24 Hour Phone
800.255.2587
Christian Appalachian Project
485 Ponderosa Drive
P.O. Box 1768
Paintsville, KY 41240
1-866–270–4CAP (4227)
The Homeless Shelter Directory of America
http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/
National Crisis/Trauma Hotline Numbers
http://ptsdusa.org/get-help/hotline-crisis-numbers/