People all along the Souris River valley continue to experience the daily stress of evacuation from homes, loss of farm crops and business income, and uncertainty. Because of the continual "not knowing what's next," some people are unsure of their futures. Natural disasters often lead to prolonged emotional and physical stress. Disasters can also lead to "lessons learned" as communities rebuild.
The Downhill Slope: Prolonged Stress
During times of extreme stress, people experience varying stages of emotion. Alarm or shock is often the first stage, followed by resistance or denial then exhaustion.
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Lori Scharmer is an agent with the North Dakota State University Extension Service in Ward County.
As the crisis continues for some or as clean-up begins for others, physical and emotional stress continues. Exhaustion, fear, anger, disillusionment, cynicism and depression are common. These responses are normal and appropriate for something that is lost (a home, a farm, a business, a dream).
Negative results of prolonged stress include:
difficulty falling or staying asleep
nightmares for children and adults
irritability; outbursts of anger
excessive drinking/drug use
difficulty concentrating
excessive worry or extreme concern
re-experiencing the traumatic event
incapacitating guilt and self-doubt
withdrawal and suspicion
frequent loss of self-control
sudden painful emotions
apathy; avoidance of emotions, activities and situations associated with the event
feelings of detachment from others, from the future or from life.
If these symptoms continue to persist well after the crisis is over or surface several months or even years later, then the person might be experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sometimes called shell shock or battle fatigue, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect people who have survived the trauma of a natural disaster, such as flood. Mental health professionals are understanding more about prevalence of PTSD in adults, children and communities.
The natural disaster also might become a turning point in people's lives that lead to insecurity, lack of confidence and fear. People might lose sight of their lifetime goals. They may become helpless and hopeless.
There is no right or wrong way to experience loss associated with crisis. Everybody has their own individual timetable for grief. Some people may go through the rest of their lives angry with the unfairness of the flood. Fortunately, grief can be one of the most healing things we can do.
The Uphill Climb: Recovery
Feelings of detachment, avoidance and apathy might be an effective way of conserving emotional energy and re-grouping. If people don't get stuck in anger, grief, denial or depression then the healing cycle can continue.
Lessons to be learned might include:
reframing the meaning of life and setting priorities; finding larger purposes, value and meaning to life
realizing the importance of relationships and that helping others may be a way to repay the help received during the disaster
the positive power of connection to our neighbors and communities
the qualities of strong families which include commitment, appreciation, communication, time, coping and spiritual wellness
the need to say thanks and the benefits of celebration
When the volunteers have gone, the flood survivors will be left to clean up the mud in their basements. We must be sure we haven't abandoned them in their grief. People shouldn't isolate themselves. By getting out, talking with community support groups and getting guidance from mental health professionals, ministers and other caregivers, recovery and growth are possible.
How can the community counteract isolation and withdrawal and provide support?
Emphasize the importance of community.
Help people be aware of the factors which work against community when experiencing a disaster.
Help people devise ways to deal with their distancing of other people's emotions.
Emphasize that often people can be helped by small deeds.
Encourage people to find support when they need it and accept help.
Use widespread support and knowledge of available resources to help a community effectively grow, develop and maintain itself.
Emphasize that the people in our lives are resources.
Create a structure which provides for long-term needs in the community.
Encourage a focus on the practical future.