After a Disaster: Tips for Healthy Adult Relationships
After a disaster, you may have a wide range of questions, including "Why did this happen to me? Where am I going to live? How will I ever heal from this? When will I start to feel normal again?" While these questions can cause strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty, you must continue to take care of yourself and maintain healthy relationships with those around you.
When feeling stressed out, it is easy to get frustrated and angry at people, especially those you are close to. However, there are healthy ways to relieve stress and not hurt those around you.
How can I keep my relationships healthy?
Recovering after a natural disaster can be difficult, and relationships can be strained. Here are some tips to help ease stress and maintain healthy relationships with those around you:
- Keep lines of communication open. Be specific, be honest, and show empathy in conversations.
- Talk to others. Ask a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or spiritual leader for help. Talk with him or her about your stress and the problems you face.
- Stay active. Go for a walk or a run, or participate in group activities.
- Ask for support. If you feel threatened or in danger, inform others. Ask counselors, friends, family members, or health clinics for support.
- Do not use drugs and alcohol. These can increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
- Take a time-out. If you feel stressed, give yourself a break. Allow some downtime, even if it is only a 30-second time-out.
How can I get help?
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Call 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
Text START to 88788
Visit Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.thehotline.org
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). After the storm: Tips for adults. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov