Starting yesterday, we experience multiple notifications from the government offices like NDRRMC, City information office and other NGOs related to the typhoon Quinta, as of writing heavy rains are experienced in our area and we are expecting flash floods in the low places in our community. This example of natural disasters creates a huge impact on our daily lives as they increase anxiety, stress, and fear to people who are experiencing such a predicament.
Stress is normal for everyone and all of us are experiencing it one way or another, as they've said a little stress would not matter however what matters is how we deal with it.
Here are some things that we can do to help us manage during these times.
- Prepare a plan and include everyone in the family. By discussing with the family, we acknowledge that there's an ongoing problem that needs to take action. In our home when we are experiencing heavy rains, everyone is a task to do something. Like preparing the candles, water, food, and making sure that our escape boat is ready in case we need to leave our house.
- Listen and read to the news for updates on what is the status of the typhoon, the strength, etc. In our place, we have a local radio station which can be accessed through FM radio. With the advancement of technology, most of the time we are relying on the official Facebook accounts of our mayors and other persons with authority.
- Slow down, breathe deeply and be quiet for a few moments. When we are stressed out and anxious everything is accelerated from thinking and heartbeat. During these times of stress hormones called cortisol is being released by our adrenal glands. These hormones may help in dealing with stressful situations, but as we all know anything that is too much will hurt us.
- Try to accept that everything is not under our control. As cliche as it sounds, accepting it makes our job easier, and excessive worrying isn't helpful in our emotional state.
Things that you can do after the storm.
- Rest and get some sleep. I know, you may have experienced sleepless nights during these events. Try to find a comfortable clean spot and sleep.
- Channel the anxious energy to something productive. Clean the whole mess, while waiting for an update from the local government, why not clean the area you are in. In my personal experience if I am feeling anxious I usually wash the dishes which I rarely do.
- Do something positive like joining the relief operations and donation drive.
When Covid-19 started and everyone was in lockdown since we have some extra funds to spare we decided to give some groceries to some families who are affected by the lockdown.
- Join support groups, Facebook has been one of the sources of support groups that are easily accessible to all. Certain groups offer free training and counseling to folks who are experiencing stress.
- If you are still feeling stress and depression contact mental health professionals to assess what are the other actions that can be done to help you get better.
These are some stuff that you can do while and after the typhoon or other force majeure is happening. The list I shared is the ones that I have used but some things that can be found on the internet can be applied.
This post is also a part of my contribution to The Kalinawan Project which aims to primarily educate young minds and prepare them for Mental Health-related discussions.
I am a part of the projects team and if you want to become an advocate and be a volunteer you can simply click this link to know more.
We are here and stay as safe as always!