Module 16: Phases of emotional recovery

effects of disaster events

• profound sadness, grief and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event

• acknowledging your feelings and focus on your strength and abilities to heal

• accepting help from community

Mental health

ability to process information and experiences

emotional health

ability to express feelings which are based on the information you have processed

coping

is a conscious or unconscious strategies used to reduce unpleasant emotions

Psychosocial impact of disaster

• effect caused by environmental and/or biological factors on individual’s social and/or psychological aspects

• emotional instability, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms are frequent

fear and distress immediate response

• fight or flight or freeze

• gastrointestinal distress

• increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration

• shivering/sweating

• dizziness

• muscle tremors, weakness

Behavior immediate response

• startle reactions, difficulty expressing oneself

• restlessness

• constant talking

• self-blame

• shame

Pre-disaster phase

• disaster with no warning can cause feelings of vulnerability

• disaster with warning can cause guilt or self-blame for failure to take warnings

Impact phase

• reactions range from shock panic

• Initial confusion and disbelief are followed by a focus on self-preservation and family protection.

• Shortest phase

Heroic phase

• high level of activity with a low level of productivity.

• There is a sense of altruism, and community members exhibit adrenaline- induced rescue behavior.

• This phase often passes quickly.

Honeymoon phase

• one week to six months after disaster

• There is a strong sense of having shared with others a dangerous, catastrophic experience and having lived through it.

Disillusionment phase

• Communities and individuals realize the limits of

  disaster assistance.

• Negative reactions, such as physical exhaustion or

  substance use, begin to surface.

• The gap between need and assistance leads to feelings of

  abandonment.

Reconstruction phase.

• overall feeling of recovery.

• assume responsibility for rebuilding their lives, and people adjust to a new normal

• begins around the anniversary of the disaster and may

  continue beyond.