Disaster’s Toll: How Planning Helps You Recover Emotionally, Financially
and Physically

People, especially pick-yourself-up-by-the-bootstrap types, tend to avoid discussing emotional effects of a disaster. Yet, stress, grief, anxiety and depression are common side effects of major disasters. According to the American Psychological Association (APA):

“Even when you’re not hurt physically, disasters can take an emotional toll. Normal reactions may include intense, unpredictable feelings; trouble concentrating or making decisions; disrupted eating and sleeping patterns; emotional upsets on anniversaries or other reminders; strained personal relationships; and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea or chest pain. Psychological research shows that many people can successfully recover from disaster. Taking active steps to cope is important.”

Vivian Marinelli is a psychologist and senior director of crisis management services at FEI Behavioral Health in Milwaukee. FEI provides resiliency solutions and crisis management services to communities and organizations nationwide. Marinelli said preparing physically and emotionally for disaster can help people cope when disaster strikes. There are four phases in what FEI calls the “disaster management cycle”:

  • Mitigation
  • Preparedness
  • Response
  • Recovery

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