Department of Psychiatry

The Psychological Impact of Disaster

Common Responses to Disasters

• Disbelief and shock
  
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Disorientation, apathy and emotional numbing
• Irritability and anger
• Sadness and depression
• Feeling powerless
• Extreme hunger or lack of appetite
• Difficulty making decisions
• Crying for “no apparent reason”
• Headaches and stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive drinking or drug use

Most of these reactions will decrease as time passes and you focus attention on daily activities. Because everyone experiences stress differently, don’t compare your progress with others around you or judge other people’s reactions and emotions.