Common Disaster Reactions

Both natural and manmade disasters affect people in different ways. No one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Many people have emotional and physical reactions to a disaster. For many people, the emotional and physical reactions to a disaster will subside over time. However, for some the reactions do not subside over time. When those effects don't go away, or even become worse over time, it may be appropriate to seek professional help.

Common Emotional Reactions may include:

•  Feeling tense or nervous
•  Crying often or easily
•  Anger or irritability
•  Feeling numb
•  Feeling hopeless

Common Physical Reactions may include:

•  Sleep disturbance
•  Gastrointestinal problems
•  Being tired all of the time
•  Appetite disturbance

Children do not go untouched by a disaster. Children also experience emotional and physical reactions to a disaster. The reactions of a child are often dependent on his/ her age and developmental stage.

Young Children (ages 1-6)

•  Nightmares and sleep disturbance
•  Fear of separation from caregiver
•  Regressive symptoms (e.g. bedwetting, loss of speech or previously acquired skills)
•  Somatic symptoms (e.g. headaches, stomach aches)

School-Age Children (ages 6-11)

•  Feelings of guilt
•  Concerns about safety
•  Changes in mood and behavior
•  Anxiety

Pre-adolescents and Adolescents (ages 12-18)

•  Rebellion at home and/or school
•  Change in school performance
•  Change in relationships
•  Depression and/or social withdrawal