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Psychological Effects of Surviving a Natural Disaster

The psychological effects of surviving a natural disaster can vary from no notable effects to effects which are severe and life altering. In the past, individual symptoms of psychological distress resulting from a natural disaster are often grouped together into larger disorders. Understanding some of the effects of surviving a natural disaster can help survivors and emergency personnel understand and prepare for potential indirect repercussions.

  1. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an umbrella diagnosis that contains some, or all, of a number of other types of disorders. Considered an anxiety disorder, PTSD can also include aspects of depression, generalized anxiety disorders, and sleep disruption, among many others. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive frightening thoughts. Other symptoms can include avoiding areas similar to places where the disaster occurred, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities. In some cases, PTSD symptoms include feelings of hyper-vigilance or edginess.

    Anxiety

    • Although PTSD is considered an anxiety disorder, there are other forms of anxiety disorder such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In addition to PTSD, natural disasters can result in increases in GAD. Symptoms of GAD include feelings of anxiety that are stronger than a situation generally warrants. Often, people with GAD recognize that the feelings of anxiety are stronger than necessary. Specific symptoms can include an inability to relax and trouble staying asleep or falling asleep. People with GAD often are more easily startled than others, have more trouble concentrating and often feel more tired than other people.

    Depression

    • Depression, either on its own or as a result of a natural disaster, can occur both as a component of PTSD and on its own. Symptoms of depression can vary greatly. In general, however, people suffering from clinical depression report feelings of sadness or unhappiness. Depressed people are sometimes irritable and become angry over minor matters. Among depressions many other potential symptoms are indecisiveness, distractions, fatigue, a loss of energy, trouble sleeping or sleeping too long, changes in appetite, changes in sex drive, and crying spells not associated with a particular event.

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