What is disaster fatigue & what to do about it
What is natural disaster fatigue?
Michelle Henry, Counsellor - Wardell Wellbeing Team
Natural disaster fatigue, also known as disaster burnout or disaster fatigue syndrome, can occur when individuals and communities are exposed to or affected by natural disasters or related stressors over an extended period. It can manifest as physical, emotional, and psychological exhaustion. Here are 10 signs of natural disaster fatigue and what you can do to address them:
Increased Anxiety and Fear: You may become increasingly anxious or fearful about the possibility of future disasters, even when there's no immediate threat,
Constant Worry: You find yourself constantly worrying about the safety of yourself and your loved ones, which can lead to chronic stress.
Emotional Numbness: You might feel emotionally numb or detached, finding it difficult to express or connect with your feelings.
Irritability and Mood Swings: You may become easily irritable, have mood swings, or experience unexplained anger.
Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances can become more frequent.
Decreased Resilience: Your ability to cope with stress and adversity may decrease, making it harder to bounce back from difficult situations.
Social Withdrawal: You might withdraw from social interactions and activities you once enjoyed, isolating yourself from friends and family.
Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things may become more pronounced.
Loss of Hope: You may lose hope in the face of repeated disasters and feel a sense of helplessness.
Increased Substance Use: Some individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism, which can exacerbate the problem.
To address natural disaster fatigue, consider the following steps.
Self-Care: Prioritise self-care practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to improve your physical and mental resilience.
Seek Professional Help: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a mental health professional who can provide therapy and coping strategies.
Support Groups: Join a support group or community organisation focused on disaster resilience and recovery to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Limit Exposure: Reduce your exposure to distressing news and images related to disasters, especially if they trigger anxiety or stress.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to avoid overcommitting yourself, both personally and professionally.
Build a Support Network: Lean on friends and family for emotional support and share your feelings and experiences with them.
Prepare and Plan: Take proactive steps to prepare for future disasters, which can give you a sense of control and preparedness.
Prepare and Plan: Take proactive steps to prepare for future disasters, which can give you a sense of control and preparedness.
Stay Informed Responsibly: Stay informed about potential disasters through credible sources, but limit exposure to avoid overwhelm.
Remember that natural disaster fatigue is a normal response to prolonged stress and adversity. It may appear in many different forms and in times of both physical and emotional stresses can be considered normal. It's essential to seek help and support when needed, as addressing these signs early can prevent more severe mental health issues from developing in the future.
Wardell CORE are fortunate to have two qualified and experienced counsellors available Tuesday through to Saturday for community members. This service is discreet and free of charge. They are here, to listen without judgement and to support all people and community with mental wellbeing.
The Wellbeing phone number for CORE is 0432 563 380.
