How We Cope With Disaster Contributed by Andy Miller, w/help from Drs. Barry and Chrissy Hary (Oct. ’01)
After the events of 9/11, we’re all recovering, some of us mentally, some of us physically, and some of us emotionally.
Things you can do to help:
Donate blood, and not just once. Before this tragedy, the Red Cross typically faced blood shortages. Blood donation should not be limited to just when an appalling event occurs.
Raise and/or donate money to one of the many relief funds or agencies that are focused on the disaster.
Collect items needed by the Red Cross, the United Way, and rescue/clean-up workers.
Write in a journal. While this may not help others, it provides an outlet for your emotions and thoughts on the subject.
Don’t be afraid to take some private time to deal with the subject on your own.
Don’t be pressured to talk about anything you don’t want to talk about. Realize, however, that it’s not healthy to keep thoughts and emotions on an issue this volatile tucked away.
Train to be a Red Cross volunteer. Take classes, learn CPR, or become a volunteer firefighter.
Exercise. You’d be amaze how much of the excess energy and emotional burden this works off.
Turn off the TV and get away from the informational assault sometimes. While it’s good to be informed on issues, there’s a tendency to watch continuously, lest we miss the latest news. Such overload is not good for the psyche.
Take the initiative to talk with others and express your feelings.
Structure your time and continue with your normal pattern of activities as much as is possible.
Maintain good nutrition and don’t numb yourself with alcohol or drugs (which you shouldn’t do anyways). While those things are bad normally, in situations like this, they only make things worse.
Give yourself permission to feel sad, depressed, and overwhelmed.
Remind yourself that these reactions are normal — you’re not crazy, and chances are a lot of people are going through what you’re going through.
Increase your prayer time, and spend more time at church. Sharing time with others who share your faith will make any burden easier to bear.
