The recent tragedy in the Gulf Coast Area brings back memories of the December 26th Tsunami that claimed nearly 250 thousand people. Hurricane Katrina will be considered the US Tsunami to recent date, with the lose of life climbing weekly as more bodies appear as the flood waters recede for the next phase of the relief and emotional recovery stage of this horrible disaster. My Foundation’s Relief and Recovery Effort that took me to Ground Zero and then Asian torn Tsunami area is now geared-up to deploy into the Gulf Coast region to train and counsel many who will be in a state of survival for months to come.
Tips on how to help yourselves and those in harm’s way during this crisis:
- Monitor media over exposure that can emotionally place you along side the victims and their tragedy to become your own.
- Monitor TV exposure to young children to protect them from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Understand the common symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that include:
- Emotional leakage (crying often about the tragedy) or numbness;
- Nightmares and daytime preoccupation with the tragedy;
- Sleeping difficulties/Insomnia;
- Emotional stress creating physical fatigue.
- Get involved with helping out even if you are across the country by contributing time, effort, energy and/or monies, which we would all appreciate in the reverse situation.
Remember stress and disaster is not just a threat, but a challenge if we respond to it with a plan of action and with an attitude of gratitude. The Terry Lyles Foundation Relief and Recovery effort will directly touch those in the Gulf Coast area. --Dr. Terry Lyles
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