When we talk about emotional challenges, we usually think about personal circumstances related to our relationships with others, family issues or work, but rarely do we think about things that are out of our control as natural disasters. We have all heard about the things that are happening in the world… earthquakes, hurricanes, floods in many different places such as Texas, Florida, Mexico, Chile, Japan, the Caribbean Islands, etc.

I have questioned myself: Am I mentally, physically and emotionally ready to face this type of challenge if it were to occur in my life? my country? or in my beautiful state of Utah? How could I help my family to face difficulties of this magnitude?

Utah is a valley ranked the second happiest state in America, but tragedy can strike our happy state as well as anywhere else in the planet. Here are 5 critical conversations that you must have with your family before, during and after natural disasters:

1. Before natural disasters: It is important to be aware of the possible natural disasters in your surroundings. For example, there are five natural disasters that can strike Utah at unpredictable times such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, wildfires, and avalanches. Earthquakes generally happen along fractures or faults, where the earth’s crust is weak, as recently happened in Mexico, Chile, and Japan. Some minor earthquakes have been registered in Idaho and Park City, Utah. Geologists estimate it would be, at largest, a magnitude 7.5, if an earthquake were to hit Utah. Talk with your family about how to be prepared to face potential hazards in your home, power outages, and other dangerous issues. Be ready to provide with food, water, and other supplies for each family member and pets.

 

2. During natural disasters: Talk with your family about a safety plan and ways to keep your emotions under control. In most cases, the unknown is scary and can trigger episodes of panic, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness and chaos. Help your children to learn relaxation techniques to stay calm and be able to clear their mind when making important decisions to protect themselves.

 

3. After natural disasters have passed: Validate your family’s strong and difficult emotions and feelings. Talk with them about their personal experiences and how they overcame their fears how they were able to manage their emotions. It is highly suggested to evaluate their emotional stage and consult with a mental health provider after suffering from a traumatic experience.

 

4. Evaluate for symptoms of trauma: Recognize if a posttraumatic effect has impacted your family members by observing the following: lack of sleep, loss of appetite, sadness, excessive worry, hopelessness, depression, recurrent nightmares, and other issues that might be interfering with their normal functioning. The elderly and children are more vulnerable to experience some of these posttraumatic stress symptoms. Children may express their distress through acting out behaviors, such as being withdrawn, excessive fear, aggressiveness, and anger. Talk with your family members if they are experiencing some of these symptoms and be sure to see a professional for more help managing symptoms.

 

If you have any concerns related to this topic and want more information on how to be ready, or maybe you are an immigrant that has suffered or experienced posttraumatic symptoms, please contact me. I am a native Spanish-Speaking therapist and I am trained to be culturally sensitive to understand your concerns and help you to overcome your personal challenges.