Disaster stress may immediately follow a traumatic event or may surface days or even months later. Talk about your feelings with family, friends and neighbors. Sharing common experiences helps people deal with a overcome anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Get back into daily routines as soon as you can. Try to maintain good eating and sleeping habits.
Physical activity can reduce stress.
Maintain your current level of activity, or consult your physician for a more intensive exercise program. Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster. Reassure children that they are safe. Encourage them to talk about their fears. Emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened.