Author: Tan Ling, Texas registered psychological counselor at Jiaosheng Counseling Center
Along with the hot summer months in Houston comes hurricane season. August and September are the city's peak wind months, which may bring back troubling memories for some people affected by Hurricane Harvey, the 8 winter ice storm, and even last month's tropical storm. Natural disasters cause people to lose their homes and even their lives.
As Christians, how should we respond to the challenge of such natural disasters—especially since they are recurring. In this article, we’ll explore practical steps for taking care of our mental and spiritual health during a natural disaster.
Be willing to accept uncomfortable feelings
First, we must understand our vulnerabilities and the impact natural disasters can have on our mental health. Common feelings that may persist even after the immediate danger has passed may include anxiety, sadness, anger, frustration, and melancholy. It's important to acknowledge that all of these feelings are legitimate and normal. Experiencing such different feelings is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. God is merciful and understanding towards us, and remembers our frailty as humans: for He knows our limitations, He remembers that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:13-14 NIV). So instead of ignoring or suppressing our feelings, we can acknowledge them and bring them to the Lord in prayer.
understand grief
It is not uncommon for those affected by natural disasters to go through the grieving process, including mourning the loss of property, pets, and loved ones. For some, there is also mourning the loss of intrinsic values such as control or security. For the flood victims I consulted, not only did they suffer severe damage to their vehicles or homes, but they also temporarily lost their sense of security, often living with the anxiety of an unstable future.
learn to be grateful
Sometimes, caring friends, family, church, or community can help people through the grieving process after a natural disaster. Recently, in a discussion group where members were sharing their gratitude, a woman from my church shared that her house was severely flooded during Hurricane Harvey and it was clear that this event had a great impact on her . However, she also quickly recalled how members of her church quickly stepped in to help remove her carpet and prevent the spread of germs in her home. While she still has to deal with the grief of what she has lost, the love of others has also helped her heal.
Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder
Due to the sudden and unexpected nature of natural disasters, people affected by them often experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of these symptoms include symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hypervigilance, and avoidance. Such as fear of driving or leaving home when it rains (Source: nami.org Mental Health Alliance of America) These symptoms may persist for days, weeks, or even months after the triggering event.
Techniques that can help reduce symptoms of trauma-related stress include:
- deep breathing exercises
- Hold a stress ball or other comforting object
- Meditate on a comforting verse or promise in the Bible (i.e. “I am with you always” in Matthew 28:20)
- Establish simple routines and avoid taking on additional responsibilities
- Ask others for help
- Get enough rest
- Be aware of and avoid any unhealthy coping behaviors such as alcoholism or other addictions that numb feelings
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise
- Make time for life-giving hobbies such as gardening, knitting, or exploring peaceful places
- record your feelings
- Spend time with loved ones
Sometimes it can seem difficult to pray or read the Bible in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. This is also normal and we can trust others to pray for us.
signs of wound healing
These include a decrease in negative symptoms over time and a general feeling of more positive emotions. If stress symptoms persist for a month or more without improvement, it may be helpful to talk with a professional Christian counselor or other mental health professional. It is important to know that natural disasters affect everyone differently and seeking additional professional help to cope and represent our vulnerability.
Negative emotions caused by natural disasters
Some people also experience long-term feelings of self-blame and guilt after experiencing a natural disaster. We may wonder why we survive while others lose their lives, or feel guilty for receiving help when others still need it. For Christians, please accept that natural disasters such as storms and floods are not our personal responsibility and therefore not to blame. Faithful believers in the Bible also experience the challenges of natural disasters. The apostle Paul was shipwrecked three times (11 Corinthians 25:1), and perhaps most famously, Job, a righteous man, suffered a great storm that destroyed his home and family and made him regret even his birth. (Job 25:XNUMX). While natural disasters can certainly test our faith, they are not the result of God’s personal punishment of us or others, nor are they beyond our control.
Accept church and community support
When we face natural disasters, we are not alone. God is indeed our help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He also often chooses to help us through others. Although natural disasters are challenging, they also provide believers with wonderful opportunities to express the love of Christ (John 13:35). During the recent storm, I was moved by the mass text messages from church members offering help to anyone who lost power. I remember several churches opening their doors during previous storms to serve as warming stations or flood shelters.
When difficulties come, human nature is to want to rely on themselves to solve the problem first. However, Christians are called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). When we face overwhelming burdens, such as the burden of a natural disaster, God wants us to lean on one another. Accept help from others just as you offer help to those in need.
Change your thinking
Natural disasters can also cause profound changes in people's mentality. Six years ago, I ran a support group for people affected by Hurricane Harvey. As our group was coming to an end, an elder spoke up and shared how experiencing a storm helped him let go of his desire to control earthly things. He made this concluding statement: “Because of everything I’ve been through, I feel No longer attached to material things, now more than ever I am ready to make heaven my true home.” Personally, I can’t help but think that we can all benefit from embracing this eternal mindset and hope in our daily lives. .
In the consulting room, I heard more stories about my clients. They have experienced natural disasters but emerged from them more resilient, stronger and more grown. I admire them all when they know how to deal with grief and shock effectively. Many times I have heard clients who experienced the impact of storms and floods on their lives tell me that months later they developed a deeper appreciation for the people who helped them. Or they regain their faith in God’s love when they realize the many ways He protects them. Personal growth from the experience of natural disaster can be seen as a consequence of how God produces “goodness” out of the trials of suffering. Romans 8:28).
Prepare for the future
Finally, preparedness awareness is important in managing mental health related to natural disasters. Being prepared with some practical steps to take when a natural disaster strikes can help us and our families develop a prepared mind and reduce anxiety. It is wise to prepare with the resources and knowledge we have: “The prudent man sees the calamity and hides himself” (Proverbs 22:3 New). In Houston, we appreciate the resources provided by the disaster guide prepared by the City of Houston, which recommends the following natural disaster prevention measures.
Thunderstorms and Lightning
For thunderstorms, it is recommended to go inside a sturdy building away from windows.
If you are struck by lightning outdoors, avoid tall trees and metal objects in open areas, such as chain link fences, golf clubs, light poles and metal tools.
洪水
Be especially aware of flash flooding that occurs when fast-moving water rushes out of a river bed or estuary. Avoid all flooded areas, even if it means delaying your trip. If you find yourself in a submerged vehicle, get out of the vehicle immediately and seek higher ground. When it is safe, call 911. It is recommended to keep a steel-tipped safety hammer and seat belt cutter in the car.
hurricane
When a hurricane watch or warning is issued for your area, the following precautions are recommended:
- Pay attention to instructions from local television and radio stations
- Check supplies to make sure there is enough water (1 gallon per person per day, 7 days minimum) (charge your phone)
- Vehicles and generators refueled and parked on higher ground
- Cover windows with plywood (⅝ inch thick)
- Bring all outdoor furniture, toys, plants and tools indoors
- Moor or move the vessel to a safe place
- Leave any evacuation area
- If you have a mobile home, check the tie-downs
- Clean the tub and fill it with extra water
- Stay away from windows, doors and openings
For those living in Houston, the guide also provides some helpful phone numbers to call in the event of a natural disaster:
2-1-1 Emergency Disaster Relief Resources
3-1-1 applies to non-emergency damage to homes, streets and traffic signs
8-1-1 Seeking assistance with underground pipes or power outages
For more safety information about Houston, visit houstonoem.org.
For those who live outside of Houston, please visit your state's local emergency website.
During natural disasters, taking care of our mental health is critical to maintaining our well-being. By grounding ourselves in biblical truth, prioritizing self-care, relying on community, and finding meaning in suffering, we can weather this storm with courage, hope, and resilience. Let us lean on God’s promises, support one another in love, and trust in His provision through the 𩗗wind season. Please be aware and take care of our mental and spiritual health needs. If you need psychological counseling, you can go to the following website link to make an appointment with a psychological counselor to help relieve the haze in your mind. The following is the Jiao Sheng psychological counseling appointment website and QR code, www.ccchhouston.org, readers can make online appointments for tutoring arrangements.
