Waiting is the hardest part. How do we cope with the stress of an incoming hurricane? A third time? Daniel Armstrong, a psychologist at the University of Miami School of Medicine and Hurricane Andrew survivor (no power for four weeks), talks with staff writer Susan Aschoff about stages of panic, preparation, and an entire state under duress:
Can you imagine the stress levels saturating Florida right now?
What we have is a whole new group of people, in Charlotte County and points north where Charley went through, the people on the east coast (after Frances), those who saw what Andrew could do ... What we have is an entire state population that has had its stress level raised. Dealing with a threat to our lives, our homes, our jobs, our way of life, is a really tough thing.
Is it wrong to be in denial about Ivan coming?
The intensity of Ivan is terrifying to everybody. This is a real threat. The other thing is that we're all tired.
Waiting is the hardest part. How do we cope with the stress of an incoming hurricane? A third time? Daniel Armstrong, a psychologist at the University of Miami School of Medicine and Hurricane Andrew survivor (no power for four weeks), talks with staff writer Susan Aschoff about stages of panic, preparation, and an entire state under duress:
Can you imagine the stress levels saturating Florida right now?
What we have is a whole new group of people, in Charlotte County and points north where Charley went through, the people on the east coast (after Frances), those who saw what Andrew could do ... What we have is an entire state population that has had its stress level raised. Dealing with a threat to our lives, our homes, our jobs, our way of life, is a really tough thing.
Is it wrong to be in denial about Ivan coming?
The intensity of Ivan is terrifying to everybody. This is a real threat. The other thing is that we're all tired.
I'm okay. Then I go out in public and someone else's frenzy infects me.
We have a situation where an entire population reacts in very different ways. There are some people who (took) that warning in June to get water, get flashlights (for hurricane season). There's another group who waits until the hysteria happens, and they go and there's no batteries and no flashlights.
Besides last-minute shopping, how else do we increase stress?
If we're able to take information and develop a plan, that can be a tremendous stress reducer. (Instead), we become addicted to getting information. Look at the local channel when they give an update. Don't listen the rest of the time. That increases anxiety, disrupts sleep and impairs our judgment.
So how else can I cope?
Develop concrete plans. What am I going to do? That is really essential when responsible for others: children, elderly parents, people with disabilities. If we can establish a routine, those individuals will respond to the (calmer) emotional tone. If we're frenetic, it makes them more upset. Then we get upset.
In keeping calm, don't we fail to let children know how serious this could be?
When the important time comes, kids jump right in line. They're looking for us to be in charge and give direction. If we have children who are becoming agitated, or elderly parents, when they're stubborn or acting out in some way, that's a message: "I don't know what's going on and I need someone to be in charge." Share the plan. Show them you don't have to run to the shelter. You have boxes by the door ready to go if it comes to that.
Sometimes the only peace comes in realizing there is nothing more one can do.
What we are all dealing with is loss of control. (Steps of) bereavement follow what we feel with a hurricane. The first is that we can't believe this is happening. The second is agitation. The third is depression. If I know (the steps), I can say to family or friend, "Watch me and make sure I don't do something stupid, or get out of control."
We're in this together, but it feels very solitary.
We really do have phenomenal resilience, and that resilience is improved when we rely on relationships. People pull together. Think about the frontline responders: police, fire, hospital workers, shelter staffers. If you have neighbors in those positions, assure them you'll make sure their family is safe, that their storm shutters are up. Then when they are relieved from duty, they can come home and get some sleep.
I'm okay. Then I go out in public and someone else's frenzy infects me.
We have a situation where an entire population reacts in very different ways. There are some people who (took) that warning in June to get water, get flashlights (for hurricane season). There's another group who waits until the hysteria happens, and they go and there's no batteries and no flashlights.
Besides last-minute shopping, how else do we increase stress?
If we're able to take information and develop a plan, that can be a tremendous stress reducer. (Instead), we become addicted to getting information. Look at the local channel when they give an update. Don't listen the rest of the time. That increases anxiety, disrupts sleep and impairs our judgment.
So how else can I cope?
Develop concrete plans. What am I going to do? That is really essential when responsible for others: children, elderly parents, people with disabilities. If we can establish a routine, those individuals will respond to the (calmer) emotional tone. If we're frenetic, it makes them more upset. Then we get upset.
In keeping calm, don't we fail to let children know how serious this could be?
When the important time comes, kids jump right in line. They're looking for us to be in charge and give direction. If we have children who are becoming agitated, or elderly parents, when they're stubborn or acting out in some way, that's a message: "I don't know what's going on and I need someone to be in charge." Share the plan. Show them you don't have to run to the shelter. You have boxes by the door ready to go if it comes to that.
Sometimes the only peace comes in realizing there is nothing more one can do.
What we are all dealing with is loss of control. (Steps of) bereavement follow what we feel with a hurricane. The first is that we can't believe this is happening. The second is agitation. The third is depression. If I know (the steps), I can say to family or friend, "Watch me and make sure I don't do something stupid, or get out of control."
We're in this together, but it feels very solitary.
We really do have phenomenal resilience, and that resilience is improved when we rely on relationships. People pull together. Think about the frontline responders: police, fire, hospital workers, shelter staffers. If you have neighbors in those positions, assure them you'll make sure their family is safe, that their storm shutters are up. Then when they are relieved from duty, they can come home and get some sleep.
