Rained-On Ground Hardens: Post I

Natural and manmade disasters can cause profound trauma in the people who experience them or are otherwise affected by them. These potentially traumatizing events which can affect up to 30 percent of people over their lifetimes can cause lingering damage to physical, mental, and emotional health. There are many ways to cope with the stress resulting from these events.

As natural disasters increase in frequency and strength in large part due to climate change, it is important to consider how people respond to these catastrophic events. The sudden, violent deaths that occur with the events can slow down recovery from them. The magnitude of losses can be overwhelming to the point that extant coping mechanisms are insufficient, and this can even cause changes in thoughts, emotions, personal relationships, spiritual beliefs, behavior, and physical health.

When natural disasters occur, they can be seen as both trauma and personal crises which exceed mental, communal, and physical resources, the last of which is highly stressful. The event can lead to emotional lability, changes in behavior, increased sensitivity, relationship strain, and physical issues. Life may feel less meaningful than it did prior to the event. They may feel terrified and vulnerable, particularly because they may have been unable to say goodbye to their loved ones and communities. When there is a delay in finding bodies, the survivors are more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical issues, and negative mental health – PTSD tends to develop in 10 to 30 percent of people directly exposed to these events.

While those who have stress reactions to events may initially experience negative emotions and reactions to the situation, most recover within two years and may show refined relationships, higher personal strength, changes in priorities, and a fresh outlook for the future.