Natural disasters leave emotional casualties. Several years ago it was Hurricane Hugo and the San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake. More recently, it was El Nino on the West Coast that left many people suffering in its wake.

    Natural disasters not only destroy homes and landscapes, but can also wreak havoc with the emotional well being of the survivors. Often the fear and emotional pain do not end when the disaster ends.

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome experienced by many who have been exposed to a stressor outside the realm of normal human experience.

    Physical and emotional reactions to a disaster are normal, though they vary greatly from person to person. Common immediate reactions include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, angry, irritable, helpless, frustrated and emotionally numb.

    A person may experience nausea, stomach cramps, heart palpitations, muscle tremors and sweating spells. During a catastrophe, many people suppress their fear in order to take quick action to get themselves and their loved ones to safety. Some deny the danger subconsciously to protect themselves form being overwhelmed by feelings of fear and sadness.
Delayed Stress reactions can occur days, weeks or even months after a disaster. Many become depressed, fatigued and apathetic towards their work, hobbies and sports. The mind may be filled with grief over those who died and lost personal property.

    Anger is a natural reaction, as fire departments, public agencies or utility companies are blamed for not warning victims or poorly handling the catastrophe.

    People may have difficulty sleeping, or experience nightmares and visual flashbacks, and be easily startled. They may fear the event is going to recur when they hear, smell, see or experience situations associated with the original disaster.

    Because these symptoms may occur well after the disaster, sufferers may not realize they are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The severity and duration of PTSD is determined by a number of factors.  Reactions differ depending on the extent of personal hardship and loss, the number and type of casualties, the sense of personal responsibility, the sense of identification with the victims and ones emotional condition before the trauma.

    Although the stress response syndrome is normal, it has the potential to grow into a chronic problem if the symptoms are prolonged. It is especially damaging if the sufferer denies that anything is wrong or mistakes his/her reactions as abnormal.

    Counselors are ready and able to help anyone who would like counseling as a result of any disaster you or your loved ones may encounter.  Although disasters cannot be prevented, intervention by a professional counselor can help resolve a potentially chronic problem. Its okay to ask for help if you have any questions regarding what you are feeling or experiencing. Use the number listed below for assistance. All contact is confidential.

    Food and retail meat members, and Warehouse members of Local 1167 may contact the Employee-Member Assistance Program (EMAP) 24 hours a day at 1-800 461-9179. Drug industry members should call 866 268-2510 or call the Insurance Department for instruction on how to access mental health benefits.