Surviving Storm Stress

Here is a helpful guide for dealing with storm stress written  by Dwight  Bain.  This  guide was extremely  helpful to many folks here in Florida during last year’s heavy storm season. You have permission to pass this on to anyone who can use it. See Redistribution Notice at the end of this blog.
Surviving Storm Stress
A Guide to Dealing with the Psychological Trauma of Natural Disasters
By Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor

Table of Contents

• Guide Preface


• Storm Stress


• The emotions which follow the storm


• Don’t make a bad situation worse


• Big storms require a lot of time to recover and rebuild


• What are the dangerous warning signs of “Storm Stress Syndrome”?


• Storm Stress Responses


• Physical


• Emotional


• Behavioral


• Cognitive


• Getting back to normal


• Immediate tips which help bring calmness


• Reconnect in relationships


• Rebuild your routines


• Reach out for faith


• Retell your story


• Storm stress and kids


• How does a critical incident like this affect kids?


• What are some ways to help our kids talk about storm stress?


• Are there “hidden dangers” the in media that parents should be concerned about that might make storm stress worse?


• What can people expect in the weeks ahead?


• The Formula to Recover Faster


• Patience


• Attitude


• Trust


• Is it wise to involve kids in the clean up and recovery process?


• Is it okay to talk about what happened to our family with others?


• Why do some people become bitter or hateful after a crisis like this one, instead of just being grateful to be alive?


• What is survivor guilt and how does it negatively impact people?


• So many people are worse off than me— so how can I decide who to help?


• Evaluate Relationship


• Measure Resources


• Do the Right Thing


• Is there a Rule?


• Is it Responsible?


• Is it Reasonable?


• What should people consider when first returning to their homes after being evacuated before the storm?


• Final thoughts to encourage you through this recovery process

Continue reading…
About the author
Dwight Bain is a Nationally Certified Counselor in practice since 1984 specializing in solving crisis events and managing major change. He serves on the Critical Incident Stress Management team of the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Orlando, FL where he lives with his wife Sheila and their children.
Redistribution Notice
You have the permission to copy, pass along or post this material in print or electronically if you believe that it will help others in your family, workplace, church or community; providing that you leave the authors name and contact information attached as follows.  For more counseling strategies from Dwight Bain on solving conflict, managing major change or rebuilding after a crisis check out the counseling blog at http://www.LifeworksGroup.org/ or call the LifeWorks Group in Orlando at 407.647.3900.