The Phases of Emotional Reaction During a Disaster

Disasters often cause post-traumatic stress reactions in people they affect directly. It's not uncommon for disaster victims to have behavioral and emotional issues. Intense stress can cause feelings of fear, helplessness, anger and frustration. In the event of a terrorist attack, people may even feel a desire for revenge. Reactions to disasters can be categorized into distinct phases. The amount of time it takes people to work through each phase is specific to each person.

Impact Phase

• During the impact phase of a disaster, most people have a natural reaction to protect their own lives and those of their loved ones. These people are often left feeling as if they could have done more to help other victims. Others may be disorganized and stunned, and may wander the streets in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. This reaction suggests these people are in a state of shock, and are dissociated from the event. Several stress factors can be present during the impact phase, including threat to life; feelings of helplessness; loss of loved ones, home, or possessions; dislocation from family, home, and community; feelings of responsibility; feeling trapped; and difficulty coping.

Recoil and Rescue

• In this phase, affected people recoil from the disaster while rescue activities take place. Emotional reactions from survivors tend to vary, and some reactions may be delayed while the rescue phase commences. High anxiety and confusion are commonly seen among survivors. Emotional reactions during this phase can include numbness, denial or shock, despair, anger, grief, or flashbacks.

Recovery Phase

• The recovery phase includes a period of adjustment for the community affected by the disaster. Rescue efforts are completed, and people try to start bringing their lives back to normal. The threat of immediate danger is over, and rebuilding within the community can begin after damage is cleared away and insurance claims are settled. At this point, public assistance begins to withdraw as media attention starts to wane. This is when psychological disturbances can begin to appear. It's common for survivors to experience fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, nightmares, anxiety, or other prolonged health symptoms. Relationships can suffer, and difficulties at work can make post-disaster adjustment challenging.

How You Can Help

• There are many ways you can help disaster survivors in your community or elsewhere. Contact the American Red Cross to inquire about donating money, volunteering to help or giving blood. If you have expertise in psychology, counseling, or crisis management, you could volunteer your time to help survivors deal with the aftermath of the disaster. Call churches and universities to see how you can help. Many are willing to accept donations of food, clothing and personal supplies for disaster survivors.