How To Support Survivors of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornados can profoundly affect the mental health of both individuals and entire communities. One such example is the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. As I continue to watch the news, I realize the immense loss and destruction experienced by so many. If you have friends and family who are affected by this tragedy, this article will explore ways to offer them meaningful words of support.

When engaging with survivors of the recent wildfires, it can be helpful to be mindful of the following mental health effects:

1. Psychological Impact

Individuals and community members may initially react with a sense of shock or denial due to the sudden onset of wildfire. In the weeks that follow, they may experience trauma-related symptoms such as intense fear, helplessness, dissociation, and feeling numb. They may also experience physical symptoms of panic such as hyperventilation, difficulty breathing, restlessness, anxiety, persistent fear of the future, worrying, and irritability. Some people may experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness, withdrawing from others and isolation. While these reactions are entirely natural and understandable given the destruction and loss, it’s important to recognize that their intensity will vary from person to person.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, individuals may not always recognize how they are being affected. As such, it’s important to check-in with those impacted, be mindful of their feelings and behaviors, and validate their reactions.

2. Loss and Adjustment

During these fires, many have lost their homes, pets, and belongings, leading to a deep sense of grief and loss. Being displaced and relocated can also result in feelings of isolation and difficulty adjusting. Additionally, the emotional strain may affect relationships, as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, and distress can create conflicts within families and communities. Some individuals may experience survivors’ guilt (i.e., feeling guilty for having survived while losing loved ones).

3. Vicarious Trauma

First responders and relief workers, due to their exposure to distressing scenes while responding to a calamity, may also experience vicarious or secondary trauma and burnout. They may experience symptoms similar to those mentioned earlier in the section on psychological impact.

How Do I Offer Emotional and Mental Health Support?

Use the following approaches when providing emotional support to survivors of natural disasters:

1. Listen With Intention

When a survivor describes their experiences, stop other tasks (e.g., put your cell phone away) and listen carefully. By not only hearing their words but also observing their non-verbal cues, you can engage in active listening. This process helps you feel more connected to the other person. Sitting in silence while the survivor speaks and making appropriate eye contact to show you’re listening often creates a powerful interaction.

2. Express Empathy

You might express your empathy by saying “I am sorry for your loss” or “I am sorry for the challenges you are going through at this time.” Show concern by checking in and asking, “How are you feeling today?” or “What do you need right now?” Offering empathy may seem conceptually easy, but it can be subtle and challenging to practice, especially when dealing with intense emotions. We’ve all had moments where our attempts to empathize with someone didn’t go as planned. Use these Five Tips to Improve Communication to confidently navigate these important moments and convey your thoughts effectively.

3. Acknowledge and Validate Emotions

Survivors feel supported when their experiences and emotions are acknowledged and validated. Given that each individual’s experience of the fire is unique, it is important to listen carefully and offer thoughtful reflection. You can further express your empathy and deepen connection by saying “Considering what you’ve been through, it’s understandable that you feel this way.” The Power of Validation is the act of acknowledging and accepting another person’s experience and communicating that it is inherently valid. When we validate someone, we respond to their emotional reality, help them feel heard, accepted, valued, and remind them that they are not alone.

4. Stay Present

As survivors share their experiences, an active listener remains present by acknowledging and validating their concerns. When individuals face severe loss and destruction, it’s important to avoid phrases like “at least you’re okay” or “you made it alive,” “be grateful,” or offering false hopes or reassurances. Instead, by focusing on the present moment using mindfulness techniques, an effective listener can avoid engaging in “what if” and “should or could have” thoughts, which may exacerbate a survivor’s guilt about not doing enough to protect themselves, their loved ones, or their community. By concentrating on the survivor’s words, observing their non-verbal cues, and reflecting their feelings with empathy, you can create a meaningful connection with their experiences.

5. Develop Community

Survivors often receive support during a crisis or immediately thereafter, but that support tends to fade once the immediate crisis has passed. As a supporter, it’s important to continue checking in with survivors as they work on rebuilding their lives. I believe humans are inherently resilient, and this resilience strengthens when survivors feel supported by others throughout their recovery. Helping them connect with others who have shared similar experiences can also reduce feelings of isolation.

6. Offer Help if You Can

Consider whether you can assist by providing shelter or temporary housing. You may also offer help with childcare or pet care. If you’re a business, you might offer subsidized costs or think about donating time and resources to support their recovery.

7. Connect Them With Mental Health Support

While individuals may be more likely to seek help from mental health professionals during a calamity or a crisis, it is equally important to address their ongoing psychological distress after a traumatic event. Encouraging survivors to continue seeking professional psychological support can help them process their emotions.

Our team of skilled and dedicated San Diego Psychologists at Therapy Changes are here to help you, or someone you know, struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma related concerns. Learning to be Happy Again After a Loss is one of life’s greatest challenges, and with the help of your therapist, you will work together to create a path forward that’s tailored just for you. Contact Us today to take the first step toward improving your emotional and psychological health and begin the journey of rebuilding your life. You don’t have to do this alone – we’re here for you.

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash