Phases of Disaster

Vea este video en español.

Stress and anxiety reactions following disaster and tragedy can be challenging. But did you know there are typical psychological phases of disaster? 

First, there is the impact phase, it’s characterized by increased anxiety and fears.  

Followed by the heroic phase – when survivors help one another to deal with the disaster or tragedy.  

Then, the honeymoon phase – this is when you see the community coming together to support each other. 

The disillusionment phase usually comes next, with increased frustration with the disaster recovery process. This is where we see stress and fatigue take a toll.  

Lastly, is the reconstruction phase, where there are thoughts and plans for reconstruction and there is acceptance of the need to assume responsibility for moving forward.  

Remember…progress isn’t always a straight line. You may move back and forth in the phases and that’s ok. Healing is possible. 

#MOShowMeHope #ShowMeHope #ShowMeHopeMissouri #MissouriShowMeHope #DisasterService #CCP #PhasesofDisaster


Las reacciones de estrés y ansiedad después de un desastre o tragedia pueden ser desafiantes. ¿Pero sabías que hay fases psicológicas típicas de desastre? Primero, está la fase de impacto, caracterizada por una mayor ansiedad y temores. Seguido de la fase heroica: cuando los sobrevivientes se ayudan mutuamente a lidiar con el desastre o la tragedia. Luego, la fase de luna de miel: cuando ves que la comunidad se une para apoyarse mutuamente. La fase de desilusión suele venir a continuación, con una mayor frustración hacia el proceso de recuperación. Aquí es donde vemos que el estrés y la fatiga afectan. Por último, está la fase de reconstrucción, donde hay pensamientos y planes para la reconstrucción y existe la aceptación de la necesidad de asumir la responsabilidad de avanzar. Recuerdael progreso no siempre es una línea recta. Puede moverse de un lado a otro entre las fases y eso está bien. La curación es posible. 

Stress Reactions

Vea este video en español.

The effects of trauma can be overwhelming. When a traumatic event happens, our brain switches to alert, and adrenaline floods our body. Signaling us to fight or flight. But sometimes, we stay in this stressful state for too long after the event, which becomes exhausting. Hopelessness or chronic fatigue can set in. This can lead to trouble communicating, listening, and poor job or school performance. This leaves us feeling tired and irritable and can even cause conflicts in our relationships.   

Reactions can be physical, emotional, psychological, behavioral or spiritual. Reactions can change over time and tend to be more intense the closer we are to the event. You may have some of these reactions.  Trauma can change us and our community – in both good and bad ways. Some people can develop depression, anxiety, and substance use issues. But there can be positive responses, such as unselfish, heroic, or helpful behaviors.   

Recovery looks different for everyone, but it is possible. Recognizing the impacts of trauma is the first step, and crisis counselors are there to provide us with support and education.   

If you need help, reach out. 

#MOShowMeHope #ShowMeHope #CCP #DisasterService #MissouriShowMeHope #StressReactions

 


Los efectos del trauma pueden ser abrumadores. Cuando ocurre un evento traumático, nuestro cerebro cambia para alertar, y la adrenalina inunda nuestro cuerpo. Señalándonos que peleemos o soltemos. Pero a veces, nos mantenemos en este estado estresante durante mucho tiempo después del evento, lo que se vuelve agotador. 

Se puede establecer desesperanza o fatiga crónica. Esto puede generar problemas para comunicarse, escuchar y un mal trabajo o desempeño escolar. Esto nos deja sintiéndonos cansados e irritables e incluso puede causar conflictos en nuestras relaciones. 

Las reacciones pueden ser físicas, emocionales, psicológicas, conductuales o espirituales. Las reacciones pueden cambiar con el tiempo y tienden a ser más intensas cuanto más cerca estamos del evento. Es posible que tenga algunas de estas reacciones. El trauma puede cambiarnos a nosotros y a nuestra comunidad, tanto en buena y mala forma. Algunas personas pueden desarrollar problemas de depresión, ansiedad y uso de sustancias. Pero puede haber respuestas positivas, como comportamientos desinteresados, heroicos o útiles. 

La recuperación se ve diferente para todos, pero es posible. Reconocer los impactos del trauma es el primer paso, y los consejeros de crisis están allí para brindarnos apoyo y educación. 

Si necesita ayuda, comuníquese. 

Digital Resource Center for College-Age Students

People standing along a wall scrolling social mediaThis ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment focused on Happier U, a digital resource center for college-age students. Jessica Duren joined “Show Me Today” to talk about the partnership between the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Spreading Hope Around Southeast Missouri

Two hands holding a single green ribbon for mental healthThis ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment focused on services available in Southeast Missouri. Bootheel Counseling Services joined “Show Me Today” to talk about ways that they can spread hope around Southeast Missouri.

Resources Provided by Clark Community Mental Health Center

Diverse hands stacked in celebration.This ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment focused on community involvement. Sarah Johnson, disaster mental health manager for Show Me Health at Clark Community Mental Health Center, joined “Show Me Today” to talk about the resources provided to their local communities.

Men’s Mental Health

This ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment focused on men’s mental health. Beckie Gierer, Director of the Office of Disaster Services at the Department of Mental Health, joined “Show Me Today” to talk about sports and mental health resources.

Continuum of Mental Health and 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Woman with closed eyes focusing at a messy desk.In this ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment, Rachel Jones from the Department of Mental Health joined “Show Me Today” to explain the continuum of mental health and dimensions of wellness.

 

CREATING AHEALTHIER LIFE, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO WELLNESS via SAMHSA

Breathing Exercises and Positive Affirmations

Lady seating by the sea

This ‘Mental Health Monday’ segment will focus on the importance of breathing and self-affirmation. Rachel Jones from the Department of Mental Health joined “Show Me Today” to guide our audience through breathing exercises and positive affirmations.

Visit the Happier U YouTube Playlist.