Tips to Coping with the Aftermath

Shared by Russell Joffe, MD, Chairman of Department of Psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital 

Our communities, both its people and its environment, have been dealt a heavy blow suffering the consequences of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy’s almost unimaginable force and scope. There is much we need to do, as a community, to cope, to heal, and eventually to rebuild. In order to meet these challenges, we, as healthcare providers, must take care, first, of our own health, so that we may continue to be able to help others.

We have all experienced, and will continue to be confronted with, events that profoundly sadden, disturb and distress us. It is normal, in the face of these assaults on our sensibilities, that we may manifest signs and symptoms of stress. Normal responses to crises such as this include:

Insomnia and intense, disturbing dreams; loss of appetite; extreme variations of mood (irritability, tearfulness, anxious laughter); feeling numb or appearing detached and “unemotional;” problems concentrating; intrusive thoughts and images related to the storm and its aftermath, including “reliving” or “re-experiencing” the events; anxiety,  being startled easily; restlessness and excessive caution and watchfulness; and avoiding people or places that “trigger” thoughts or feelings about disturbing events, especially losses

It is important for us to understand, and to similarly educate our colleagues and families, that behaviors such as the ones noted above are not in themselves signs of mental illness, and most importantly not a sign of “weakness.” This is how our nervous systems respond to shocking events.

However, when symptoms such as these impair our ability to do our work, or cause us deep distress, it is very important that we seek professional help, to prevent matters from getting worse. In general, though, there are useful steps we all can take to keep ourselves healthy:

1)  If you need to talk, find someone who can be an “active listener,” who will let you tell your story without offering advice, and who will not be judgmental – someone who will just listen, thoughtfully. Telling our stories is part of how our minds naturally begin the process of healing. And be an active listener for others, if you are able.

2) Avoid alcohol and other substance use – it will make matters worse, despite how much you convince yourself it will help. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are safer alternatives, including behavioral approaches, and, if necessary, medications that are not addictive or harmful.

3) Sleep, Nutrition and Exercise – most healthcare providers enjoy being thought of as dependable and tough in crises, but that can lead us to neglect our own health. It is vitally important, essential to our ability to think and make critical decisions, that we are rested and in good health. Use common sense, avoid the temptation to eat unhealthily to power yourself through fatigue and stress, carve out time in your day to get physical activity, because it is as important as drinking water to our well-being during periods of stress. And remember that the most important factor in establishing a good sleep regimen is to get up at the same time each day, and avoid caffeine and other substances in the evening.

4) Recognize that it can take months to feel “normal” after living through a disaster such as this. Be patient with yourself and others, and educate and encourage others to do the same.

5) There are effective treatments, most not involving medications, to help those who feel that the symptoms they are experiencing are painful and/or interfering with their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their patients, coworkers, or families.

North Shore-LIJ has diverse behavioral health and psychiatric resources available at NO cost. These can be accessed through our corporate Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at: 1-877-EAP-4YOU (1-877-327-4968). Don't hesitate to make the call - it's confidential.