COPING WITH STRESS

Senior woman consoling her husband at homeNo matter where you’re at in your preparedness efforts, you likely haven’t prepared for the stress of a major emergency event. For most of us, the disasters that motivate us into action include floods, fires, earthquakes, and similar events that arrive suddenly -- all of which share one trait: the potential to cause stress. Learn what steps can be taken now to protect your mental health throughout a crisis.

Emergency events cause stress for many and, for some, the fear and anxiety can be overwhelming. Stress can severely affect both adults and children, resulting in worrisome conditions and behaviors, including:

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the following ways to cope with stress.

Take breaks from the news. Whether it’s on the television, internet, radio, or social media, too much disaster news can be upsetting. Limit the time spent getting news and take breaks when needed.

Take care of your body. In stressful times, it’s especially important to take good care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs, and calm anxiety with deep breathing, stretching, or meditation.

Stay connected. Stay in touch with family and friends. Reach out by phone, email, letters/cards, texts, video chats, or social media. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Supplies
  • Continue to build emergency supplies of food, water and cash.
  • Tools (wrench, pry bar, shovel, hatchet, saw, zip ties, multi-tool)
  • Rope
  • Tarps
  • Duct tape
  • Work gloves
Help is Available

Need help? Know someone who does? If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: