Types of Disasters
Natural and human-caused disasters affect thousands of people each year. Major adverse events such as these have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life and physical destruction. They are often unexpected and can leave whole communities in shock.
People who live through a disaster can experience emotional distress. Feelings of anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters before, during, and after the event. Many people are able to "bounce back" from disasters with help from family and the community, but others may need additional support to cope and move forward on the path of recovery. Anyone can be at risk, including survivors living in the impacted areas and first responders and recovery workers.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential to cause loss of life or property. These types of disasters include
- Tornadoes and severe storms
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Earthquakes
- Drought
Severe storms and floods are the most common types of natural disasters reported in the United States. These meteorological events are occasionally preceded by presidential emergency declarations requiring state and local planning prior to the event, such as evacuations and protection of public assets.
Human-Caused Disasters
Examples include industrial accidents, shootings, acts of terrorism, and incidents of mass violence. As with natural disasters, these types of traumatic events may also cause loss of life and property. They may also prompt evacuations from certain areas and overwhelm behavioral health resources in the affected communities. In the aftermath of the tragic loss of life that occurred on September 11, 2001, the feelings of loss of security and wellbeing—arguably the most crucial ingredients for leading a happy, healthy life—dramatically affected the citizens of the United States.
Other Incidents of Mass Trauma
Infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, and other types of traumatic events can also bring out strong emotions in people. News reports and the 24-hour news cycle can make people even more anxious when these kinds of events occur.
If you need help coping with stress surrounding any of these types of event, feel free reach out to your employee assistance program (EAP) for resources that can help. In addition to support from the service directly, you may also receive information about local resources that can be of help to you.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Disaster Distress Helpline. (Updated 2023, June 9). Types of disasters. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.samhsa.gov