Natural Disaster Trauma Therapy

Can Natural Disasters Cause Trauma?

One of the main causes of childhood trauma are natural disasters. Trauma can be caused after experiencing a hurricane, flood, earthquake, fire, or tornado. These events can cause fear, loss, distress, and feelings of helplessness.

What Are the Psychological Symptoms of Natural Disaster Trauma?

Natural disasters can threaten our psychological well-being in many ways, including:

• Feeling unsafe
• Hypervigilance
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Negative beliefs
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

Our skilled trauma therapists employ evidence-based interventions that promote feelings of safety, hope, and optimism while also fostering social connectedness after experiencing a natural disaster trauma.

What Is the Trauma Response to Natural Disaster?

The trauma response to a natural disaster can be different for each person involved, but some common responses include:

• Shock and derealization: feeling unable to believe what has happened and an inability to accept the reality of what has happened
• Depression and negative thoughts: feelings of sadness or emptiness, changes in appetite, insomnia or sleeping too much, irritability, or thoughts of self-harm
• Hyperawarness: sensitivity to sounds, light, or smells may trigger memories of the stressful event
• Flashbacks and nightmares: unwanted memories or dreams of or relating to the event
• Detachment: avoidance of people, places, or things that remind you of the natural disaster

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our highly rated therapists, are all certified and experienced in utilizing proven strategies and evidence-based interventions to help you minimize the impact of the natural disaster trauma on your life.

What Natural Disasters Cause PTSD?

Natural disasters of any kind can cause PTSD symptoms.

Types of natural disasters include:

• Hurricanes
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Wildfires
• Tsunamis
• Droughts
• Volcanic eruptions
• Landslides, mudslides, and avalanches

There may be other events that cause natural disaster trauma. No matter what caused your symptoms, your feelings and experience are valid. Our therapists are here to help you overcome challenging experiences and transform your trauma into resilience.

What Is the Relationship Between Natural Disasters and Mental Health?

When you experience a natural disaster you experience a heightened level of stress which triggers a flight or flight response. During this response, an increased amount of cortisol and adrenaline are released in your brain. An excess of these hormones can cause PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, irritability, nightmares, or problems with concentration.

What Is Psychological Intervention After Natural Disaster?

After a natural disaster, it is important to talk to a therapist to receive trauma therapy to decrease symptoms of PTSD, process your experience, and improve the quality of your life.

Some psychological interventions a therapist might use can include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy
• Narrative exposure therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Prolonged exposure therapy

How Do You Manage Trauma From a Natural Disaster?

There are several things you can do to manage your trauma response.

These include:

• Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation
• Self-care such as engaging in hobbies, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and physical exercise
• Get support from your peers and family members
• See a therapist to process your trauma and decrease your trauma symptoms

Remember, you don’t have to manage your natural disaster trauma alone. A therapist can guide and support you in the most effective strategies for healing PTSD. Get the help you need and deserve today.

How to Find a Good Psychologist for Natural Disaster Trauma?

To find a good psychologist or therapist for natural disaster trauma look for someone who is certified by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Look for someone who is certified in trauma therapy and has experience treating clients with natural disaster trauma.

How to Get Natural Disaster Trauma Treatment?

To receive quality treatment for natural disaster trauma you may want to do some research on trauma therapists in your area. Look for someone who is certified in trauma therapy. Find someone who has lived experience with healing through traumatic experiences. Each person may have different preferences for the therapist they choose to work with.

Some things that might be important to consider include:

• How much experience does the therapist have in treating people with similar issues as you?
• Choose a therapist licensed in your state
• Read reviews online or ask a friend for a recommendation
• Do you feel comfortable and safe being honest with your therapist?
• Do you have similar experiences and interests?

Consider what is important to you in a therapist. There are many competent therapists in the area. However, the Trauma Therapy Center therapists pride themselves on their compassion, and empathy, as well as their focus on continued training to ensure they can offer you the most evidenced-based help.

How Long Are Natural Disaster Trauma Therapy Take?

How long trauma therapy for natural disasters takes depends on some factors such as:

• Your goals for treatment
• Your scheduling and availability
• Severity of your trauma symptoms
• The treatment plan you and your therapist create

Talk to your therapist about the duration of therapy in your first session. After your assessment, the therapist will be able to give you an approximation of their recommendation for the length of your therapy.

Is Natural Disaster Trauma Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Natural disaster trauma treatment may be covered by your insurance. Call your insurance company and ask for a list of therapists in your area that accept your insurance.