What are the initial feelings a person might experience after a disaster?

After experiencing any type of disaster, it is completely normal for individuals to experience a wide and contradictory range of emotions that may seem confusing in the first hours and days. Regardless of the level of preparation, the nervous system's reaction to unexpected events can lead to a sense of shock or numbness; many people find it difficult to grasp the reality surrounding them immediately after the event occurs [1].

The Initial Emotional Spectrum After Trauma

Emotional responses vary significantly from person to person, and there is no single typical response that can be generalized. The most common initial feelings include:

• Shock or Emotional Detachment: A feeling that things are unreal or a state of emotional blunting as an initial defense mechanism.
• Anxiety or Fear: Intense focus on future risks and a loss of the sense of safety.
• Sadness and Helplessness: Feeling deep sadness over losses or a reduced ability to control ongoing events.
• Emotional Contradiction: Survivors may experience a strange feeling of gratitude or happiness for being alive, which is very normal despite the surrounding tragedy [1].

These feelings are a normal part of the mind's adaptation to extreme stress and are fundamentally intended to protect the individual from direct trauma.

Impact of the Disaster on Behavior and Body

The effects of a disaster are not limited to emotions but extend to behavioral and physical aspects. It is very common to face difficulties sleeping or loss of appetite, as well as distraction and an inability to focus on simple daily tasks. Recalling painful memories or having flashbacks related to the disaster is also an expected response. Many people also tend to avoid places or people that remind them of the event as a natural defense mechanism to attempt to reduce psychological pain [1].

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Although most of these responses gradually fade with time and social support, their persistence or worsening necessitates specialized intervention. You should contact a healthcare provider or a psychological counselor if these feelings begin to interfere significantly with your ability to carry out daily life or your professional performance. Indicators that require urgent care include increased intensity of impulsive behaviors, thoughts of self-harm, substance or alcohol abuse, or persistent feelings of self-blame and deep depression [1]. To learn more about how to handle these challenges, you can view our comprehensive guide on Psychological Recovery After Disasters: A Comprehensive Guide for Supporting Individuals and Communities (Arabic).

Initial Measures to Support Stability

During the post-disaster phase, it is essential to pay close attention to your emotional and physical needs. Try to establish a simple daily routine and ensure you stay in contact with the supporters around you. Being patient with yourself during this period is of utmost importance; the recovery process is not linear, and it is normal for emotions to fluctuate between improvement and temporary relapse [3]. If you feel that the psychological burden exceeds your ability to cope or if acute symptoms appear that affect your physical safety, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical assistance [2].

Medical references

• Coping with Disasters
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Factsheet | Natural Disasters | CDC