Working in Disaster Settings experience.

It is important to approach survivors with genuine respect, concern, and knowledge about their process.²⁶

Most disaster survivors - children, adults, the elderly and disaster rescue or relief workers -experience normal stress reactions after a traumatic event. These reactions may last for several days or even a few weeks and may include:

• Emotional reactions: shock, fear, grief, anger, guilt, shame, feeling helpless or hopeless, feeling numb or empty. They may also have a diminished ability to feel interest, pleasure, or love. ²⁶
• Cognitive reactions: confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, worry, shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, unwanted memories, self-blame.²⁶
• Physical reactions: tension, fatigue, edginess, insomnia, bodily aches or pain, startling easily, racing heartbeat, nausea, change in appetite, change in sex drive. ²⁶
• Interpersonal reactions: distrust, conflict, withdrawal, work problems, school problems, irritability, loss of intimacy, being overly controlling, feeling rejected or abandoned. ²⁶

Caregivers Should Decrease the Possibility of Doing Harm

Experts on traumatic stress emphasize that people have their own pace for processing trauma, and it is important for helpers to let survivors know that they should listen to and honor their own inner pace.¹⁴

It is important to keep in mind that pressing someone into discussing a traumatic event soon after may have a detrimental effect. While some trauma survivors prefer to discuss the traumatic experience, push survivors to override their need (1) for distance, (2) to avoid reminders of the trauma, and (3) to dissociate in the period following a trauma, particularly in situations where bereavement is involved. If an individual is not ready to discuss their experience and they are “pushed” to do so, they may be at an increased risk for developing PTSD. This is particularly true for those with heightened distress. ¹⁴

For resources specific to persons working with disaster survivors, please visit our Acute Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Resources page.