10.29 Tragic Event

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the tragic event in Itaewon this weekend (10/29). We are sending healing prayers to the families who have lost loved ones and those who were injured.
 
A disaster like this tragic event is unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. For many people, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there can be nonetheless an emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced disaster (directly AND indirectly) to have a variety of strong emotional reactions.
 
If you have directly affected by this event and having emotional difficulties, here are some things to consider before you see the need to seek professional support.

​​Common Reactions and Responses to Disaster
 
Following a disaster like this Itawon accident, people frequently feel stunned, disoriented or unable to integrate distressing information. This is because our brain is struggling to integrate the information about the event with our understanding of the world. Once these initial reactions subside, people can experience a variety of thoughts and behaviors.
 

• You may be anxious, nervous, overwhelmed, or grief-stricken. You may also feel more irritable or moody than usual.
• You might have repeated and vivid memories of the event. These memories may occur for no apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat or sweating.
• Sirens, loud noises, burning smells, or other environmental sensations may stimulate memories of the disaster creating heightened anxiety.
• Increased conflict, such as more frequent disagreements with family members and coworkers, can occur. You might also become withdrawn, isolated, or disengaged from your usual social activities.
• Headaches, nausea, and chest pain may occur and could require medical attention. Preexisting medical conditions could be affected by disaster-related stress.

How do I Cope?
 
Fortunately, research shows that most people are resilient and over time are able to bounce back from tragedy. It is common for people to experience stress in the immediate aftermath, but within a few months most people are able to resume functioning as they did prior to the disaster. There are a number of steps you can take to cope with tragedy and gain a sense of control following a disaster, including the following:
 

• Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in your life. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced and try to be patient with changes in your emotional state. Your feelings are valid and expected.
• Minimize media exposure. Being repeatedly exposed to the pictures and news about the event can prolong your traumatic stress. It is important to gain your sense of control and this can be done by limiting your use of media and focusing on your daily life.
• Actively ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your situation. You may worry about burdening others with your struggles, but social support is a key component to disaster recovery. You can find support and common ground from those who've also survived the disaster. You may also want to reach out to others not involved who may be able to provide greater support and objectivity.
• Self-Care is needed! This can include eating meals at regular times, sleeping and waking on a regular cycle, or following an exercise program. Build in some positive routines to have something to look forward to during these distressing times, like pursuing a hobby, walking through an attractive park or neighborhood, or reading a good book.

When to Seek Professional Treatment
 
if your traumatic stress reaction is so intense and persistent that it's getting in the way of your ability to function, you may need help from a mental health professional. Please do not hesitate to contact You&Me if you are needing extra support and help to cope with this tragic event. We are here for you.
 
Some traumatic stress red flags include:

• It's been six weeks, and you're not feeling any better.
• You've having trouble functioning at home and work.
• You're experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
• You're having an increasingly difficult time connecting and relating to others.
• You're experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings.
• You're avoiding more and more things that remind you of the disaster or traumatic event.​​