Self Care Tips

It is normal to have strong emotional and/or physical reactions following a distressing event, including natural disasters. These reactions may be experienced if you were directly or indirectly exposed. Almost everyone who experiences a distressing event will be emotionally affected, but not everyone will respond in the same way.

Possible reactions to traumatic events include:

• Feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or confused

• Feeling sad, overwhelmed or angry

• Shock, feeling ‘numb’

• Uncertainty about the future

• Feeling lonely, isolated or withdrawn

• Feeling unwell – headaches, difficulty sleeping, eating, weight loss/gain

• Resentment or blaming others

• Increased substance use

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

For most, these reactions subside over a few days or weeks.

When to seek help:

If distress lasts longer than one month, it is a good idea to seek the support of a health professional. Talking to your GP about how you are feeling is a good place to start.

Only some people who are distressed after a traumatic event will develop a mental illness such as Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD), Depression or Anxiety.

Self-help strategies:

• Find a safe place to stay

• Talk to someone you trust

• Know that how you are feeling is normal result of a traumatic event

• Give yourself time, know that the way you are feeling will not last

• Make time for relaxation

• Exercise and eat regular, well-balanced meals

• Restrict stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, soft-drinks and cigarettes

• Avoid drugs and alcohol

• Try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible

Supporting someone you know:

• Don’t pressure the person into talking

• Be a good listener

• Be patient

• Provide practical support e.g. offer to watch children, pets, do the weekly shopping

• Encourage the person to take care of themselves and do things they enjoy

• Take care of yourself