April 2, 1998
To cope, people need to talk, listen, and support
After a disaster, distress and despair can grip a community.
Temporary homelessness, damaged personal items, lost crops, and
an uncertain future weigh heavily on survivors. The most common
coping tools are our abilities to listen, talk, and support one
another. In the middle of crisis, remember to:
- Let people give you a hand. It can make a critical
difference between coping and suffering.
- Take care of your physical and emotional needs. Eat
balanced meals, get enough sleep, talk about your feelings, and
listen to others.
- Be patient with one another. Roller coaster emotions and
sudden mood changes are a natural response.
- Don't overlook the feelings of children. Reassure them,
making sure they understand they are not responsible for the
problems you face.
- Focus on the big picture. Don't expect things to instantly
restore themselves.
- Remember that a support network is essential. Talk and
listen to family members, neighbors, and friends.
- Show by words and actions that you care. Even small, kind
deeds will mean a lot to others.
Source: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension
Writer: Kathleen Cleberg, University of Minnesota Extension
Service. Phone (612)624-3259, kcleberg@extension.umn.edu
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