{"id":848,"date":"2024-10-03T15:36:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T19:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/thriving\/?p=848"},"modified":"2024-10-03T15:36:32","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T19:36:32","slug":"after-the-storm-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/thriving\/2024\/10\/after-the-storm-2\/","title":{"rendered":"After the Storm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Well, Hurricane Helene is gone, but the storm\u2019s impact is going to be felt for months and years to come. Many of you had damage to your crops, your trees, your buildings. Others of us, who were luckier, escaped with minor damage. Everyone has seen images of flooding and wind destruction. Everyone\u2019s heart hurts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stress Reactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a disaster like this one, people feel stress reactions. This can include fear, anger, and grief. You might not be able to concentrate, or be stuck thinking about what happened over and over, or feel jumpy and \u201con guard\u201d all the time. You might feel physically sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling this, you might feel like you\u2019re slipping, or \u201cgoing crazy.\u201d  You\u2019re not, you\u2019re definitely not.  These are common reactions to extraordinary circumstances. What you\u2019re feeling is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if it is normal to have these feelings, they are hard to live with and get in the way of being able to make good decisions and deal with the tasks you have to do and realities you have to face. So, what can we do to manage this stress reaction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resilience and Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that there are resilience factors that can help you adapt and move forward. Social support<\/strong> is one of the most important things as you recover from a disaster. Connecting with other people can help you solve problems, share resources, and get comfort and emotional support.  Reach out, don\u2019t isolate. You need your support system now more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having good coping skills<\/strong> (working to solve problems rather than avoiding or denying them) is also important. People who are confident in their ability to cope after a disaster actually tend to do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope <\/strong>is important in getting through a disaster. While it may feel hopeless sometimes, it is important to look at the good\u2014look at the good people in your life, the good people trying to help everyone affected by this disaster. It is important to remember and draw hope from whatever it is that makes you feel connected to the larger world, whether it is a religious faith, or a deep love of family, or something unique to you.  Hold on to hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, keep doing all the basic stress management<\/strong> things we\u2019ve talked about on this blog\u2014keep eating right, drink enough water, get enough sleep, stretch, focus on gratitude, and reach out to others.  During times of crisis these are even more important than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we pull our lives back together, or watch and help people we care about doing the hard work of recovery, it is important to be gentle with ourselves and others. Let\u2019s give each other grace, remind each other of hope, and believe that we can move forward and find ways to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To end on a high note, here is Willie Nelson with the Farm Aid Artists from Farm Aid 2021 singing some joyful, hopeful songs for farmers. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n