They may be sad, depressed, and unwilling to confront the situation that brought about the disaster. They may become very cooperative, generous, compassionate, helpful, and warm-hearted. People often demonstrate the ability to learn new skills very fast, and exhibit a lot of ingenuity and creativity in working around obstacles and managing chaotic situations. We can work hard and smart when the need is there. Instead of giving into despair, we can become pro-active.
People are very adaptable, even when changes are coming very fast and the stress is very grave.
During and after a disaster, some people take advantage of the suffering, distress, weakness, or problems of others. Goods donated by humanitarian organizations may end up in the marketplaces at inflated prices. People can be rude, arrogant, pushy, violent, or lazy in the absence of a disaster, and these traits may be intensified by the stress of a major traumatic event. Panic, paralysis, flight, and helplessness. Pro-activity, solidarity, cooperation, smart work.