The profound experience of Hurricane Katrina's impact, followed by the days, weeks and probably months of living in survival and recovery mode must have an effect on even the most stout-hearted individual.
And with the devastation so widespread and with so many sad stories filtering through the media, the impact is compounded and inescapable.
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Terri Stockdreher, American Red Cross disaster mental health social worker, said it is normal for people to act a bit differently these days.
The veteran volunteer from New Orleans, whose own residence was flooded and lost its roof to the storm, said that crying for seemingly no reason, spacing out, forgetfulness, unexplained irritibility or anger, impatience and similar symptoms are "normal reactions to an abnormal situation."
"It's very normal for a disaster situation," she said. "It doesn't mean you are going crazy or having a mental breakdown. It's just part of the way people respond. And most people find comfort knowing that it is normal, and that other people are feeling the same way."
Children, who are even less able than adults to understand the changes wrought by Katrina, demonstrate their disorientation by "acting out in age-appropriate ways," said Stockdreher.
"A three year-old may not be able to verbalize what he is feeling, so he might throw temper tantrums, cry or maybe regress," she said. "It's a very common and normal reaction to stress in all age groups."
If behavior, in children or adults, becomes suicidal or if there is a threat of imminent danger, professional help should be sought, said Stockdreher. But it is still so soon after the triggering event that people, while remaining alert, should not be too quick to take action, she said.
For now, everyone should try to be as patient as they can with themselves and others, said Stockdreher. And they should begin to re-establish normalcy.
"As best as possible under the conditions, especially with children, try to establish some routine to bring lives back to the way they were before," she said. "If the family played games together every Saturday night, do it again. If there were regular bed times or bedtime stories, get back to them."
People are advised to take steps to regain a sense of control after a disaster beyond anyone's control left many feeling powerless.
"Eat three meals a day," said Stockdreher. "Sleep when you need to. Take breaks. These are choices you can make.
"And I often suggest that people think of things that provide comfort for them-like taking a bath or reading a book. Think of those things, recognize them and then do them."
Even just a few minutes of quiet, still time alone can be extremely refreshing and strengthening, she said.
Because the Red Cross is currently very busy assisting evacuees in its shelters throughout the region, people who do need or want help getting through the current tough times should "reach out through their normal support systems," said Stockdreher. They should talk to their spouses, friends, pastors or community mental health professionals, she said.
As the people continue to pull together to overcome the material changes wrought by Katrina, they can unite to combat the more subtle, emotional effects.
Things have changed in Washington Parish and far beyond. Even good change can be stressful. And the transition will take some time.
People are advised to pay attention to themselves and their children, to notice need, and to take action to take care.
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