Practical strategies for coping work best” says Foundation in aftermath of earthquake

The Mental Health Foundation has produced a one-page guide for Cantabrians with suggestions and tips on how to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake on September 4 and the series of nerve-wracking aftershocks.

“Staff in our Christchurch office have all been personally affected by the earthquake,” Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements says.

Either they, or their family and friends, have experienced everything from broken windows and chimneys, homes with cracks in walls and ceilings, sodden sand and mud everywhere, days without power and/or water, distressed children and frightened elderly parents. One family member’s house has had to be demolished and other staff have had family and friends move in with them because their homes are now inhabitable.

“Hearing these personal accounts from our Christchurch staff has made the experience very real for us,” Ms Clements says. “We have also had a number of enquiries from people looking for information on how to cope at this very stressful time.”

Responding to this need, the Foundation has produced a one-page document providing practical, straightforward tips and strategies on how to cope with this natural disaster.

“They are commonsense suggestions,” Ms Clements says. “But often they are the things that are forgotten in the chaos of coping with, and managing your situation.”

“The most important thing for people to remember is to be kind to themselves and others; trust in the knowledge that your circumstances will improve, and that life will eventually return to some semblance of normality.

“But if you are struggling, it’s okay to ask for help.”

Tips for coping after an earthquake –
http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/file/downloads/pdf/file_298.pdf

ENDS
TIPS FOR COPING AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

We’ve all been shaken up by the earthquake in Christchurch and no Cantabrian has been unaffected by it.

It’s normal to feel anxious about your safety, and that of your family and whanau, and it’s normal to feel jumpy and scared, or worried about work.
All of us have different needs and different ways of coping. Acknowledging our feelings can really help us get back on track.
Here are some simple tips:

HOW ADULTS CAN HELP CHILDREN
• Talk to children and teenagers about their feelings and how they are affected.
• Use simple honest answers.
• Be prepared to discuss the same details many times.
• Ensure that they realise they are not to blame for what has happened.
• Let them know that adults also don't always understand why things happen.
• Do your best to be supportive, loving and predictable.
• Encourage them to engage in physical play and exercise.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
• People have different ways of expressing their feelings after an event like this. Some may prefer to say very little and quietly focus on practical tasks whereas others may want to talk more. Act in the way that you feel more comfortable with but do reach out to others in your support network.
• Stay connected and reach out to others: your family, friends, neighbours and co-workers. Talk about your thoughts and feelings.
• Maintain balance in your life between your personal needs, your work and your family obligations. Manage your commitments even as you return to a normal routine. It’s ok to say no sometimes.
• Eat sensibly; a balanced diet of healthy foods rich in nutrition serves as a natural defence against stress.
• Be as physically active as you can.
• Use relaxation techniques. Set aside time for a regular routine of deep breathing or other stress reduction methods to alleviate your feelings of anxiety.
• Maintain a daily routine as much as possible including regular sleep patterns.
• Find something constructive to do. Look out for others. Sometimes it pays to forget our own troubles for a while. All the ‘what ifs’ may be exhausting. Try and achieve little things that help to keep you positive.
• Laugh when you can. Reflect on the good things in life.
• Be patient with yourself. Know that you will recover balance and peacefulness at your own pace.

ON YOUR OWN?
No you’re not! Sometimes it’s hard to reach out to people around you. Think about ringing a community group for a chat, visit your neighbour, listen to your radio, or ring your family. Maybe you can offer help to others.

Visit our website for a list of helplines you can contact for support.

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