Psychological symptoms and changes in well-being during natural disasters

During an earthquake swarm like the one currently underway in the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is affecting the southwest corner of the country, it is not unusual to experience psychological symptoms and changes in one's well-being. It is uncomfortable to feel powerless in the face of nature. Most importantly, find ways to stay calm and follow the advice of the emergency services. Let us remember that our country possesses this great power; for the most part, there is little danger, and we learn about response procedures and resources together.

When you experience a natural disaster, you might:

• you felt physically and mentally exhausted
• You find it difficult to make decisions or concentrate.
• become easily irritated or short-tempered
• Spending more time with family and friends
• felt tired, sad, numb, lonely or worried
• experienced changes in appetite or sleep pattern

Most of these reactions are temporary and will disappear. Try to come to terms with the feelings you are experiencing.

What you can do:

• Try to control what you can, for example with regard to prevention and preparation.
• Think about the safety in your home. Do you need to secure any furniture or take heavy items off shelves?
• Eat healthily
• Rest
• Stay in touch with family and friends. Giving and getting support is the most important thing you can do.
• Be patient with yourself and those around you. Earthquakes like these affect people in different ways, and many may need a little time to put their feelings into words and get their thoughts in order.
• Prioritise. Tackle tasks in small steps.
• Try to think positively

Signs that you need additional support:

Many people usually feel better after a few days. Others find that the stress does not go away as quickly as they would like, and it affects their relationships with family, friends and others. If you or a loved one experience any of the feelings and reactions listed below for a long time (several weeks), it can be a sign that it would be a good idea to seek further help:

• Tantrums or angry outbursts
• Changed appetite
• Sleep difficulties
• Losing interest in things
• Increased physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches
• Great fatigue
• Guilt, a feeling of helplessness or hopelessness
• Avoid family and friends

Children and natural disasters 

Children experience difficult events differently to adults. Experiencing a natural disaster can leave children feeling scared, confused and insecure, especially if it is not their first time. Children cannot always talk about their worries, and they sometimes appear in a child's behaviour. Some react immediately; others may show anxiety weeks or months later. It can help parents to recognise the signs and respond accordingly.

• They can be more agitated or show another change in behaviour.
• They can be more clingy to us, be sensitive or cry often.
• They may need more attention or reassurance from adults they trust. It is important that adults try to remain calm, as children observe their reactions and infer danger from them.

Here are some tips on how to talk to children:

• Give children the opportunity to talk
• Let the children discuss their fears and worries
• Ask them what they want to know
• Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have all the answers.
• Answer questions that are appropriate for their age and with honesty.

Let's remind ourselves and them that our country possesses this great power; most of the time there is little danger, and we learn the response procedures and the available resources together.

The Red Cross helpline 1717 and the online chat are always open at 1717.is 
You can ring there if you have any concerns.

Adapted by the Icelandic Red Cross from an article by the American Red Cross.