There are a significant number of resources and tips going around the internet about self-care and recovery after a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy. Below you will find some helpful tips for emotional support during disaster recovery, as well as a hotline if you are feeling overwhelmed by the impact of Sandy.
Feelings of stress, anxiety and depression in the wake of a disaster are common. If you or a loved one needs to speak with someone at the Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990. The hotline works 24/7.
Tips from the American Psychological Association
1) Take a break from news (and/or Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites) - While you will want to remain informed, constantly bombarding yourself with information and images will only add to your stress.
2) Acknowledge your feelings - You may feel relieved for not being affected, you may feel guilty for being relieved or for not being affected or you may be dealing with the trauma and challenges of being impacted or having loved ones impacted by the event.
3) Control what you can. - Finding new routines, continue old routines or do concrete tasks which may help aleviate your feelings of trauma.
4) Keep things in perspective. - Try to balance feelings of being overwhelmed while also thinking about positive outcomes (i.e. I have electricity, I have safety, etc.).
5) Find a productive way to help if you can. (This obviously applies more to people in unaffected areas). - Contributing will allow you to engage in the recovery process productively.
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