COPING WITH EMOTIONS
Plan Ahead
Whatever the crisis, some planning before the
disaster can usually help family members react wisely. Families that work together to prepare for
the problem will cope better than those who do not. Consider how your children might react in a
disaster. What would your own reactions
be? The crisis can affect each person’s
emotional and physical well-being.
Plan in advance how to deal with the
situation. Follow the advice provided
here. Discuss and practice plans with family
members before a disaster strikes. Work together to help everyone understand
the procedures.
Venting Feelings
Listening: In time of trouble and
crisis, many people need someone who will just listen. Talking about the experience helps the burden
seem a little lighter and easier to bear.
If you are feeling “blue” or “down,” you may want to contact a friend or
neighbor, a family member, your pastor or rabbi, or someone else you feel you
can really talk to as a friend.
If
you find yourself called upon to listen to a friend or neighbor who just wants
to talk, please listen. Some people will
feel very much alone and afraid; others will blame themselves and wonder, “Why Me?” They are not really looking for an answer to
that question, but rather are saying, “How can I endure this?” “How can I go on?” Solutions, answers, and advice aren’t
necessary. Just listen and let the
troubled person talk.
Providing Support
Sometimes people, who are very
upset or frightened, later are embarrassed about expressing those
feelings. They may feel “weak,” or that
they have “dumped” on you. Reassure your
friend by saying that his/her feelings are normal and perfectly
understandable. Be sure that your friend
knows you are available to listen again, if he or she needs to talk. Help her/him to look toward the future, when
things will be better.
If you are concerned that someone is very depressed and you do not feel you are able to help, be sure he/she does get help from a trained professional. Suggest a counselor, member of the religious community, social worker, or support group to help your friend through this period.
Coping with Children’s Emotions
v Remember that children
mirror their parent’s anxieties. Be calm
to reduce your children’s fears.
v Take something familiar such
as a favorite toy or book into a new situation.
This helps a child feel more secure.
v In a crisis situation a
child may manifest unusually childish behavior.
This is normal for a child who is frightened and who doesn’t understand
a situation as serious as a hurricane.
v Most children are not
capable of understanding the magnitude and severity of the situation. Be understanding and patient.