Disasters can take an emotional toll on everyone involved, especially the restoration professionals who are tasked with the daunting job of cleaning up the aftermath. It is important to be aware of the potential for emotional distress and take steps to address it.
The first step is acknowledging that the experience has been traumatic and that it is normal to feel a range of emotions in the aftermath. It is important to give yourself time to process the event and allow yourself to feel the emotions. Avoiding or numbing the emotions can actually make them worse in the long run.
It is also important to take care of yourself physically. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise. These activities will help to reduce stress and promote healing.
There are a number of resources available to help restoration professionals deal with the emotional aftermath of a disaster. The American Red Cross has a disaster mental health program that can provide support and counseling. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has a variety of resources available.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally after a disaster, don’t hesitate to seek out help. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally in order to be able to effectively do your job.