Each positive action you take can help you feel better and more in control.  Getting ourselves and our lives back in a routine that is comfortable for us takes time.

• Take care of your safety.  Find a safe place to stay and make sure your physical health needs and those of your family are addressed.  Seek medical attention, if necessary.
• Eat healthy.  During times of stress, it is important that you maintain a balanced die and drink plenty of water.
• Get some rest.  With so much to do, it may be difficult to have enough time to rest or get adequate sleep.  Giving your body and mind a a break can boost your ability to copy with the stress you may be experiencing.
• Stay connected with family and friends.  Giving and getting support is one of the most important things you can do.
• Be patient with yourself and with those around you.  Recognize that everyone is stressed and may need some time to put their feelings and thoughts in order.
• Set priorities.  Tackle tasks in small steps.
• Gather information about assistance and resources that will help you and your family members meet your disaster-related needs.
• Stay positive.  Remind yourself of how you've successfully gotten through difficult times in the past.  Reach out when you need support, and help others when they need it. 

If you still don't feel better . . .

Many people have experience coping with stressful life events and typically feel better after a few days.  Others find that their stress does not go away as quickly as they would like and it influences their relationships with their family, friends and others.

If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing some of the feelings and reactions listed below for 2 weeks or longer, this may be a sign that you need to reach out for additional assistance.

• Crying spells or bursts of anger
• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Losing interest in things
• Increased physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
• Fatigue
• Feeling guilty, helpless or hopeless
• Avoiding family and friends

For additional resources, contact your local Red Cross Disaster Mental Health or community mental health professional.

Please seek immediate help if you or someone you know is feeling that life isn't worth living or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.  You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.        

For more information, call Red Cross Disaster Services at 810.232.1401. ext. 306