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Helping Yourself

Remember that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed
Most Americans have found the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to be unbelievably horrible. It has caused many to be afraid, to cry, and to be angry. These emotions are intensified by the feelings of helplessness that accompany the shock at the impact of this horrific natural disaster and the many man-made incidents that have occurred in its aftermath. While some of the ideas below speak to people who have suffered injury or death in their families, they are meant to help all who are suffering crisis reactions in reaction to an unprecedented natural disaster the whole world witnessed.

Restore connections with others
These may be people with whom you watched, witnessed, or survived the hurricane. They can give you different perspectives on what you experienced and validate common responses. They may include family or friends who do not know what you have gone through but want to help. They may be acquaintances or counselors who just want to be there to listen to your story of what happened. Remember, even if you don’t want to talk about Hurricane Katrina, it helps to know that someone is around whom cares.

Express your reactions or feelings
Many people discover that when they find appropriate words to describe emotions of fear, anger, grief – or any other feeling – it helps to define what happened, and that can help reduce the intensity of the emotions. Some cultures and some people do not feel comfortable with talking, so for them, it might be more helpful to express their reactions through physical activity, music, writing, or art.

Find a way to help others and our country
One of the best antidotes to feelings of helplessness is to take positive action. This can be done in our responses to the hurricane by simple things. Millions of people are donating blood for the injured victims. Others are sending donations of in-kind goods or money. There are many other things that can be done in your home community to show support. Volunteer to help your schools in addressing the concerns of children in your community. Talk to your local newspaper about printing a petition in support of America’s response to natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Volunteer at your local victim assistance program to help family or friends of victims who might have been survivors of the hurricanes or some of the resulting criminal acts. Fly an American flag at your home or office. Organize your neighbors or friends into a group that will prepare to write cards or notes to the victims or their survivors of the hurricane during the upcoming holiday season.

Keep to ordinary routines as much as possible
Maintaining established patterns of life does not mean you have not been deeply affected by the tragedy – but it can help to stabilize a life that has been dramatically altered. Everyone needs some kind of anchor in restoring everyday activities. Routines can be that anchor. For victims or survivors whose lives have been shattered, and whose routines have been destroyed, plan a day ahead for what might be expected – then try to think about how you can integrate those expectations into a routine. For example, you might be awaiting news of what happened to a friend or loved one. You are planning to circulate pictures or information that will help identify them or go to the place where they are missing. Prepare for those events but try to feed pets, water plants, arrange for childcare, or simply pick up your newspaper on a schedule that conforms as much as possible to other days.

Focus on maintaining physical health
Try to eat regular meals, take daily vitamins, rest, and get some physical exercise. Mental distress takes a physical toll on your body. In order to keep up your strength to face the days ahead, it is important to keep as physically fit as possible. For people who are enduring great emotional anguish, check in with your doctor.

Reach out for spiritual connections
If you have a strong faith and this natural disaster has challenged it, get in touch with others of your own faith or your spiritual leaders to help work through some of the questions you might be facing. If you do not have a faith system, but have spiritual values; try to find someone who might share those values to talk with. Restore your connection with the environment around you, if that is the source of your sense of meaning in the world.

Learn all you can about the reactions you are having
It often helps to know what physical and mental reactions are common after a tragedy like this. Think about your former experiences with extreme stress or traumatic events, and consider how you have coped with those experiences in a positive way. Read or watch educational materials on how traumatic events often affect people and suggested ways of coping with these events. Ask for help in learning about such reactions – there are many organizations and agencies throughout the United States that can provide you with additional materials, referrals to resources or counseling assistance.

Coping With Hurricane Katrina & Rita:
For those who have an immediate involvement with people who have been killed or injured, the following may be useful:

NOVA's Hurricane Katrina & Rita Response & Information: