Life after earthquakes

LIFE AFTER EARTHQUAKES

Although traumatic events are distressing, most people make a good recovery and few go on to have long term problems.

Immediately following a traumatic event, you may experience strong reactions. You may experience feelings such as fear, sadness, guilt and anger. You may question your beliefs ? about your safety, how much control you have over your life and how predictable the world really is. These reactions will gradually decrease over time and there are things you can do to help. A list of simple 'do's' and 'don't's' can significantly improve your chances of recovering and getting on with your life.

The support you receive from people close to you will make a big difference to your recovery. Help following a traumatic event does not have to come from a health professional ? the answers are often found within ourselves and with the help of trusted friends and family. It is important that you use the resources and support systems most readily available to you following a traumatic event. For example, if you tend to use exercise to deal with stress it might also help you to manage tension following a traumatic event. Spending time with people that have been supportive to you in the past is another way of coping with what is happening.

The sections in this link often cover the same information but from a different perspective. Use the one or two that is most helpful to you.