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<br />5 <br /> <br /> <br />p <br /> <br />Take Care of Yourself First <br /> <br />YOU and your family have <br />been through a disaster. <br />Your life has been turned upside <br />down, and it will take time for <br />things to return to normal. Take <br />a few minutes to review the <br />safety and health precautions <br />listed on the back cover. And <br />watch out for symptoms of anx- <br />iety, stress, and fatigue. <br />With all the cleanup and <br />repair jobs awaiting you, it may <br />seem odd to spend the first <br />chapter of a flood recovery book <br />talking about emotional issues. <br />But a disaster can do damage <br />beyond the obvious destruction <br />and debris you see everywhere. <br />You should recognize that the <br />flood can take its toll on you as <br />well as your property. It is <br />important to look after yourself <br />and your family as you focus on <br />the obvious tasks of cleanup and <br />recovery. Your hidden enemy is <br />stress. Watch for it. <br /> <br />eare lor Yoursell <br />Your body reacts to stress in <br />many ways. You will probably <br />experience one or more of the <br />warning signs as you deal with <br />the flood and recovery. Your <br />body is just reminding you that <br />times are difficult. Reactions to <br />stress are common and usually <br />temporary, Need some relief! <br />Here are some steps you can <br />take to relieve your tensions. <br />Keep the family together. <br />Especially in bad times, togeth- <br />erness provides mutual support <br />for everyone. <br /> <br />Discuss your problems. Talk <br />to family and friends. Share your <br />anxieties. Let others talk to you <br />to help release tension. Crying is <br />a natural response to a disaster. <br />It's alsO a great way to release <br />pent-up emotions. <br />Rest often and eat well. You <br />are more likely to suffer from <br />stress and health problems <br />when you are tired. Being active <br />helps, but don't overdo it. Your <br />body must have proper rest and <br />nourishment for you to keep <br />going. <br />Set a manageable schedule. <br />You have a million things to do, <br />but you can't do everything at <br />once. Make a list and do jobs <br />one at a time. Establish a sched. <br />ule to clean up and rebuild. <br />Following the steps in this book <br />will help. Try to return to your <br />pre-flood routines as soon as <br />you can. Routines give you <br />something predictable to <br />depend upon. <br />Watch for signs of stress. <br />You have just been through a <br />disaster, and the recovery period <br />can be long, hard, and confus- <br />ing. Don't be surprised if you <br />are tense or see signs of stress in <br />family members. Often other <br />people will notice problems <br />before you do. Listen to them. <br />Seek help. If you cannot <br />shake feelings of despair or <br />other telltale signs of stress, get <br />professional help, So many peo- <br />ple need help to cope with their <br />situation following a disaster <br />that special outreach programs <br /> <br />- ". - -~t~p <br /> <br />Take Care o/Yourself First ,il~ <br /> <br />Warning Signs of Stress <br /> <br />Short tempers, frequent <br />arguments <br />Greater consumption of alcohol <br />Smoking more than usual <br />Getting upset over minor <br />irritations <br />. Difficulty sleeping, bad dreams <br />Aches, pains, stomach problems <br />. Apathy, loss of concentration <br />Depression <br /> <br />1 <br />