Anxiety

The fires burning in Australia have left at least 173 people dead and many more homeless. However, even those who were not left homeless or lost a loved one may be psychologically traumatized by the fires.

The President of the Australian Psychological Society, Professor Bob Montgomery, said:

“During and immediately after a disaster of this magnitude the focus is understandably on sheer survival and rescue. But soon after, most people will naturally show signs of distress. At this point survivors benefit most from simple practical and emotional support. Getting some order and control back into their lives and having their emotions validated as the normal reactions to severe stress. These are basic components of psychological first aid, to help people heal themselves.”

Normal reactions to traumatic events include: physical symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, rapid breathing, muscle aches, higher blood pressure, sleeping difficulties, tremors, and rapid heartbeat, emotional symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, wanting to isolate oneself, grief, irritability, depression, feeling numb, and feeling lost, and cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty making decisions, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, trouble solving problems, disorientation, short attention span, bad dreams, and memory problems.

While these symptoms are certainly normal to experience after a traumatic event, if they persist for four weeks or more, they may become chronic. This is the point in which you should seek professional help for your symptoms. Without professional help, these symptoms could develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, characterized by nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, difficulty concentrating, a high startle response, avoiding people, places, and things that remind you of the trauma, and sleeping difficulties. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is also associated with the excessive use of drugs or alcohol, strained relationships, anger, suicide, and depression.

Montgomery says that while most people are able to heal themselves from trauma, there are two errors loved ones can make following a traumatic event, which may lead to problems later on. First, an individual who has experienced a trauma may be quiet and emotionally frozen, which may lead family members and friends to believe he or she is okay. This may not be the case, however.

Second, well-meaning family members and friends may tell a survivor to simply forget about the trauma and that they are safe now. While you may mean well by saying such things, traumatized individuals may wonder if their reactions to the experience are normal. What survivors need is reassurance that their emotions and experiences are valid and that it is okay for them to feel whatever way they are feeling.

If you want to support a survivor, offer to be there to listen to whatever they have to say. Tell them their feelings are normal. Help with housework, running errands, etc. if a survivor needs help with daily tasks. Be compassionate and understanding. If you notice your loved one continues to feel the symptoms described above for more than three or four weeks, encourage him or her to seek out some professional help.

Sources:

Medical News Today: Fire Disasters Cause Psychological Stress

St. Cloud State University: Normal Reactions to Trauma

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