Recognize pain and see possibilities when faced with disaster

The occurrence and impact of disasters continues. Hurricanes Helen and Milton, which hit the United States in September and October 2024, were the most destructive disasters of 2024. An earthquake in Japan in the new year claimed 213 lives, and ongoing wildfires in Southern California affected 4,753 people in the first month of 2025. Several miles away, 11 people died and millions were affected.

With ever-expanding technology, people across distances, cultures, religions, races, and economies are witnessing the unfolding of indescribable events. Although disasters of this scale evoke universal fear and concern, it is important to understand the differences in reactions and coping strategies.

Why do people react differently?

Traumatologists have noted that event characteristics mediate the impact of harm, such as whether it is man-made or natural, limited or long-lasting, and life-threatening or catastrophic. traumatic They believe that the most important factor determining people’s reactions to disasters is the personal meaning of the event to those who suffer.

subjective meaning of the event

Trauma research suggests that it is often the subjective interpretation of an event that determines whether it is traumatic for a person (Creamer, McFarlane & Burgess, 2005). What a person thinks about the event, including why it happened and what they could have done differently, influences how they respond to the trauma. When people realize that events are inevitable, they become less of a problem. anger Added suffering. If you believe that a fire or earthquake will occur punishment Their reaction would be completely different if it was a gift from God, as opposed to a destructive natural phenomenon.

In addition to these differences, there are a number of parameters that further influence disaster response.

parameters

proximity It plays a role in the meaning of the event for the person and increases the likelihood that it will be traumatic for the person. stress response.

• Proximity includes: actual geographical proximity It’s the same experience we had in Florida, Japan, and California. In reality, a person may not only be facing a life-threatening situation, but also the physical and emotional loss of life as known and lived.
• What Proximity Means emotional closeness Even if you are not geographically in the disaster area, your children or loved ones are there, died there, or are missing.
• What Proximity Means media proximity There are repeated scenes and information attacks due to a lack of control over the flow of information (elderly people and children) or an escalating inability to “stop looking” caused by sympathetic activation. It is related to stress, such as when you cannot relieve it.

history

• The personal interpretation and impact of a traumatic event is also influenced by a person’s history. Some people witness the horror from miles away and try to mediate their reactions with the idea that “that can’t happen here.”
• Those standing in their immediate vicinity will read or see about the same traumatic event and will resonate with the emotional and physical traumatic experience. Because for them, “it’s already happened.”
• Regardless of the nature of the trauma, Bessel van der Kolk says that when we experience a traumatic event that causes our bodies to have a lasting trauma response, “our bodies keep track of scores.” suggests. When we are faced with an indescribable event, highly sensitive neurophysiological smoke alarms are activated in our brains, triggering the brain and body’s response to stress. It may not last, but we know that place and that feeling.
• henry crystal It teaches us that “mental distortions” often occur when faced with trauma. memory It means that if we fail to stop the atrocities and fail to rescue and comfort the victims, we are responsible for their suffering. ” This is often part of the suffering experienced by first responders and caregivers.
• psychologist robert strolow Trying to understand the sudden death of a young wife suggests that we react differently after experiencing a personally traumatic event. Because it shatters the absolutism of our existence, the belief that we are safe, that life is predictable, that we are what we live. Love will be there. He suggests that trauma is a devastating loss of innocence that permanently changes our sense of existence in this world. The important thing is that sometimes losing your innocence can give you ways and words to help others.
• Déjà vu: Some people witness traumatic events that are painfully similar to those they themselves have experienced and are knocked down for miles or years. The catastrophe they witness on screen becomes an opportunity for them to re-experience their own pain, while also gaining compassion and understanding.

connection

Reducing isolation: When faced with the unthinkable, people feel isolated from themselves and others. Ørner and Schnyder (2003) researched early post-trauma interventions across cultures and found that after meeting the primary needs of safety, shelter, and nutrition, the most important steps to reduce the impact of trauma are: The recommendation is to help survivors tap into and connect with their natural support networks. .

Emotional bond with children: Children, whether they are toddlers or teenagers, have needs. Close family connections as a top resource for families to feel safe and understand what is going on. By staying connected with them and providing them with opportunities to ask for help and regain a sense of family, they will thrive. resilience and reduce panic, anxiety. Physical contact makes a difference. Even if you are held like a small child, even if you are held like a child, teena child who feels held will feel less traumatized.

Share and listen: Narration Healing is a shared process. It has value for both the sharer and the listener. Both play an important role in regaining a sense of still being present, alive, and understood. We understand that traumatic events destroy our stories and force an unthinkable loss of connection. Many people benefit from participating in natural or planned groups to share, be heard, validate and testify. Some people go just to listen. They don’t have the words to describe what they’ve seen and faced, but when they hear the stories of others, they begin to feel recovered. as Kathy Carruth ( 2014 ) emphasize. The act of listening in the aftermath of a catastrophe allows for an encounter with the other and a reconnection with the self.

Find housing: Strollow (2015) emphasizes the need for connection by explaining that he believes trauma needs a home with others who can find words for the unthinkable. Masu.

altruism

Considering its powerlessness, fear Although the attacks of trauma and disaster can leave us feeling lonely and isolated, every step we take to help others is the gift that keeps on giving.

In the aftermath of trauma, the impact and painful memories can be softened and even overshadowed by the help received and the gift of communication.