DISASTER STRESS
What to do Before, During and After any Disaster or Trauma.
On this page:
A. Definition of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
B. Self Tests to determine if you or a loved one suffer from PTSD
C. What to do before, during or after any crisis or trauma
D. Suggested questions for the electronic and print media
A. Definitions
PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTERSHOCK
Research has shown the 50 percent of those in or near the disaster, or experience extreme or prolonged stress, suffer from various degrees of psychological aftershock, a post-traumatic stress disorder. This can result in physical, mental or emotional as well as social or work related problems and pop up an hour, the next day or a year down the line. This 50 percent may or may not suffer from a phobia, an excessive fear of or avoidance of a particular situation or object.
In addition, another 25 percent suffer with a full-blown phobias with accompanying excessive fears, which can result in the avoidance of similar situations, symbolic associations of the event or the avoidance of even thinking about them.
That's 75 percent (three out of four) who will suffer long after the catastrophe and one or more of the following symptoms can appear. These symptoms can be as fully cataclysmic as the original experience. Sufferers can have physical, mental/emotional and/or social or work related problems. (See Self Tests Below) The phenomenon of "psychological aftershock" can have hidden symptoms which may arise weeks, months or even years after the disaster...and undetected may be misdiagnosed and can destroy lives.
Research has shown that after any disaster, trauma or tragedy approximately 25 percent of the survivors in or near the catastrophe will leave relatively unscathed although perhaps feeling somewhat shook up. They seem to have certain "coping skills" which have been identified by psychologists.
Call now and set up an in-person or telephone interview with Dr. Dossey to discuss Psychological Aftershock and the widespread fear concerning when and where the next disaster may strike.
Contact: Howard Geer, Publicity 828-258-1311 or drdossey@drdossey.com
B. Self Tests
DISASTER STRESS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND
PHYSICAL DAMAGE!
We live with the threat of a psychological crisis or disaster every day. Are you
mentally and emotionally prepared to ward off any psychological scars a future
disaster or prolonged stress may cause. Are you prepared to remedy the damage a
past disaster or prolonged stress may have created? You can take steps to
protect yourself and your family, and limit the mental and physical damage that
being unprepared for a crisis can cause.
TAKE THE EASY SELF TESTS BELOW AND SEE IF YOU SHOW ANY OF THE SIGN POSTS. THEN
LEARN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO SAFEGUARD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM THE NEEDLESS
SUFFERING OF PAINFUL "PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTERSHOCK."
SOMEDAY, POSSIBLY TOMORROW, YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID.
These self‑tests will help
you identify the sign-posts and symptoms of Psychological Aftershock, Psychic
Numbness, Panic Attacks, and Phobias connected with disaster stress.
Check the items that apply to you or your loved ones and add up your scores. Scoring instructions will be found at the end of each test. If any of the scores show possible problems, you may want to seek expert help. See bottom of this section for the best way to choose an expert disaster stress counselor.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTERSHOCK TEST
An expert professional is a disaster or trauma expert and a phobia and stress expert. An expert can quickly and safely determine your needs, tell you specifically what they're going to do and how long it will take.
NOTE: The
recommendations and suggestions included in this document are intended to
improve psychological and physical preparedness in case of a crisis, disaster or
trauma. However, they do not guarantee the safety of any individual or family
member. Neither the publisher nor author assumes liability for any injury,
psychological or physical, which may occur in connection with any disaster,
trauma, or crisis. Information based on material developed at the Stress
Management Center/Phobia Institute in Asheville, NC.
C. What to do before, during or after any crisis or trauma.
Master any Disaster
DR. DOSSEY'S PSYCHOLOGICAL SURVIVAL KIT
Post-traumatic stress disorders, phobias, shell shock, burn-out, all result from two major reasons: intense shock and/or prolonged aggravation and stress to mind and body. (Not necessarily associated with prior mental or emotional pathology)
This stress causes loss of proper perspective, poor judgment, ineffective action as well as the possible breakdown mentally, emotionally and/or physically.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A DISASTER FOR PREPAREDNESS
1. Practice developing the FIVE COPING SKILLS of survivors.
2. Set up specific plan of action and determine who, what, when, where, how will be done. Then rehearse the plan.
3. Practice staying positive and holding associated feelings. To help, learn to use the Keying technique to hold calm, relaxed, yet alert feelings and the Future Pacing procedure to help you focus beyond the predetermined plans. Use the process called "Future Pace Debriefing," and practice "Relaxed Attention" of the Five Keys to Success in Dr. Dossey's book Keying: The Power of Positive Feelings - Overcoming Fears, Phobias and Stress and his audio tape programs "Through the Briar Patch" and "The Power of Positive Feelings."
4. Debrief past stress and traumas. Then use the Wash procedure. This helps you to stay in the present, increases awareness and intuitive abilities, and keeps you from getting drawn back into old dysfunctional patterns. It will also keep you from stacking up a series of traumas or prolonged stress in your body which hinders you ability to handle current stress.
5. Practice the Relaxation Techniques (Diaphragmatic Breathing, etc.)
6. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and drugs and check physical fitness.
WHAT TO DO DURING THE CATASTROPHE
1. Use planned KEYING process to stay calm, relaxed, yet alert.
2. Recall and implement the pre-rehearsed Plan.
3. Use your mental Refocusing Techniques.
a. Think of calmer thoughts (people or situations.)
b. See situation as a Challenging Opportunity with Wonder and Curiosity.
c. Reduce your mental pictures size and volume of negative self talk.
4. Use the Diaphragmatic Breathing routine.
5. Keep moving around a lot and stretch often. This removes toxins from the body due to stress and fears.
6. Let the predetermined leader take over.
7. Check yourself out then begin to help others immediately.
WHAT TO DO AFTER TRAUMATIC EPISODE
1. Administer all tests for PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTERSHOCK, PHOBIAS, PSYCHIC NUMBNESS AND/OR PANIC ATTACKS.
2. Use the scientific Debriefing procedure to let go of past.
a. Debrief with others who have non-judgmental ear or by yourself.
3. Use the Two or Three Place Wash with Future Pacing techniques.
4. Continue the pre-practiced relaxation routine.
5. Hold faith in a new beginning as you had Future Paced prior to the crisis.
(Faith strengthens one's main, body and soul.)
6. Regroup and begin to help others in need. This changes your focus and all win. (Isaiah, "there is strength in several others.")
7. Use Dr. Dossey's "Levels of Change Pyramid."
8. Continue implementing pre-determined plans and goals.
(NOTE: Be very cautious regarding ineffective psychotherapists or professionals who are not specific experts in anxiety disorders. They could be harmful to your mental and physical health.- why? Because of the think/feel syndrome.)
For information click the Buy Books and Tapes button or call the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute 828-258-1311 or drdossey@drdossey.com
D. Suggested Questions for the electronic and print media.
Suggested Questions
on Psychological Aftershock
"Psychological aftershock" is what psychiatrists call a post-traumatic stress disorder isn't it?
What are your chances after a trauma of getting a phobia or suffering from a PTSD?
What percentage of the population can expect to suffer from some form of psychological aftershock?
When the "war" is over, is the "war" really over?
Or after you're out of an abusive relationship , are you really free?
(Terrorists hands, rape victims, hurricanes, etc.)
When can a person expect the symptoms to appear?
What are some of the obvious signposts and symptoms of psychological aftershock?
What are some of the hidden symptoms and signposts of psychological aftershock?
Who are generally hit the hardest with psychological aftershock?
What "coping skills" have been identified to help people weather through a disaster and ward off psychological aftershock?
What should parents or loved ones do and not do when they suspect psychological aftershock?
What can one do prior to any disaster or catastrophe that will help them through it afterwards?
What can one do after a trauma to protect them from PTSD?
Contact Howard Geer, Publicist to book an
interview with Dr. Donald Dossey 828-258-1311or drdossey@drdossey.com