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Chapter 25 · Mental health and personal safety25.1 Normal reactions to a disaster

Chapter 25 · Mental health and personal safety

25.1 Normal reactions to a disaster

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According to SAMHSA, these reactions are common after a disaster. They do not mean someone is "wrong": they are the normal response to an abnormal situation.

Normal reactions to a disaster
Area	Common reactions
Emotions	Fear, anger, sadness, worry, frustration, feeling numb or "disconnected."
Mental state	Difficulty concentrating and making decisions; thinking over and over about what happened.
Body	Changes in appetite and energy; headaches, body aches, or stomachaches; skin rashes; chronic illnesses get worse.
Sleep	Insomnia, waking up constantly, nightmares.
Behavior	More alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs; irritability; isolating.

What helps (self-care)

Eat at set times, drink water, and move a little every day
Sleep as much as possible, in shifts if necessary (section 25.3)
Avoid alcohol and drugs as a way to "hold on"
Talk to someone you trust about what you feel
Get your information only from official sources, at set times
Limit news and social media about the disaster: watching nonstop increases distress
Take breaks and get back to something you enjoy, even if only for 15 minutes