4 Ways You Can Cope with Natural Disasters

We have had quite a busy few weeks with the hurricanes that have hit the east coast. If preparing for a hurricane or storm is stressful, then dealing with the aftermath is beyond debilitating. We have seen these storms wreak havoc on property, towns and cities, and leave families reeling from tragic deaths and injuries of loved ones. Although there is some predictability at times regarding natural disasters, there is unpredictability on how a specific set of events will play out.

Rather than keeping our thoughts stuck in a loop on the potential of natural disasters impacting us in the same manner, we want to find a way to make those anxious thoughts productive. Learning from historical mistakes can give us more information and insight on how to better prepare. People who like to prepare can find a way to reduce anxiety and stress by preparing for the unthinkable.

Some people like to spring into action and immediately feel a pull to start helping those who have been affected. Either by volunteering directly, collecting donations, or offering a place to stay, finding a way to help can also channel nervous energy towards a productive, good cause.

Lastly, considering permanently relocating can take time, but it can also provide some peace of mind if you feel stressed about the vulnerability of where you live. If you are someone who can afford to do so, and who has support, then finding a different location where you may find less stress due to natural disasters could be helpful. Moving is a major change in one’s life, but for some, that may be the solution they seek.

Here are some direct ways you can make small changes to cope with natural disasters:

1. Acknowledge the depth of feelings you are experiencing
Natural disasters leave us in shock and leave is with a sense of diminished security. Natural disasters are a harsh reminder of our role in the ecosystem, and it is absolutely normal to experience a range of emotions and feelings due to the devastation and destruction that can occur. Before moving forward and taking steps to cope and channel difficult feelings into actions, take a moment to become aware of your experience. Acknowledgement and self-awareness is the first step towards wellness.

2. Learn from past incidents, and become more efficient at preparing.
Oftentimes, it is not until natural disaster strikes, that we realize how vulnerable we really are when we don’t have our usual luxuries. Even the things that seem the most basic, like running water, access to fresh food, and a stable house, are truly luxuries when they are suddenly taken away from you. Researching and figuring out what the more than likely consequences are when natural disasters strike in your area will help you prioritize the most important things to have ready. As with any research, social media algorithms can also send you down a rabbit hole that may not always be objective. Try your best to stick to objective media that reduces fear-mongering, but still maintains a realistic perspective.

3. “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
This is a famous quote by the beloved Mr. Rogers (Freg Rogers). He used this quote to help children understand how to reduce anxiety when scary things are happening in the world. Not surprisingly, this can also help adults when tension and fear is high. Adults who initiate help can get a community connected in order to prioritize urgent needs. Adults who are inspired by this can continue the ripple effect and help can truly go far when people are invested in the outcome. Children can become involved in this process and can also feel a sense of altruism by understanding their role in helping others. Ultimately, both adults and kids can benefit from staying active in these causes, and can also channel anxious or nervous energy towards action, rather than staying stuck in those thoughts.

4. Consider moving to a place that is a better fit for your needs, especially if there are frequent natural disasters.
No location is perfect. Most places on Earth will be vulnerable to some sort of natural disaster. Mother nature will continue its cycle, despite our city-planning, innovations, and engineering. As with any move, you have to consider what is best for your and/or your family. Maybe you have learned that you and your family function best in a certain type of geography or environment. Maybe you are more-easily prepared and resilient to hurricanes rather than earthquakes, or to blizzards rather than tropical storms. Just like our bodies are all different and react differently to nutrition and physical activity, our bodies may naturally perform better in different environments. Finding a way to push past unhealthy attachments, and do what is best for you is also a process that requires some thinking and planning.

You may notice that these four points have one big thing in common: Taking action. Coping through taking action is what keeps us resilient and keeps us moving forward. Not surprisingly, patterns of negative thinking can be debilitating and can also create a vicious cycle of not taking action, while feeling more and more stuck. Action is not always indicative of physical action. Even thinking and planning for things in an efficient manner is taking action. Acknowledging your feelings is part of action. Remember, if you are ever caught in a cycle of negative thinking or anxiety that is caused by indecision about big natural events, channeling those thoughts and feelings through action can help you cope.