When disaster strikes, your first instinct may not be to address the emotional impact that this event will have on you and the members of your family. However, as the dust settles and cleanup begins, you may feel yourself experiencing unfamiliar feelings and seeking the answer to questions as you seek closure to the ordeal you’ve been through.
Losing a home is traumatic, even if you don’t experience injuries or personal loss as a result of the disaster which wreaked havoc on your home. Your home represents safety and security, among a host of other intangible benefits you may not even be able to describe. And the contents of your home, which may be lost too, are your memories, valuables, and more.
If you’re feeling out of sorts, angry, or depressed after a disaster in your home, know that you’ll be okay. First of all, it’s okay to not be okay in the weeks and months – perhaps even years – after your home damage or loss. It’s alright to have a heightened sense of fear and other unexpected feelings and triggers that come from this event.
Over time, the extreme feelings and anxiety of experiencing trauma again will fade, as the human psychological complex is fairly resilient. If in the meantime you feel particularly depressed, are unable to function reasonably, or are experiencing extreme relational challenges as a result of your home disaster, it’s okay to seek help.
Finding a counselor or therapist who specializes in handling trauma or a talk group for trauma victims can be a good place for you to hash out your feelings about the disaster that occurred in your home. Even talking out your feelings or the events of the disaster with a close friend might help you to relieve some of the emotions that you have bottled up inside.
Finally, engaging in meaningful life activities and physical exercise can help to boost your mood following a disaster in your home. Staying active physically and mentally can help your emotional state to rebound and will give you a healthy outlet for expressing yourself while you cleanup and/or rebuild.
We understand that the impacts of disaster on your home are many and far reaching. And we’re here to help. Whether you need to cleanup after a flood or other natural disaster, we can handle the details to help you get your home and life back on track.
