The ground is shaking.

The walls are cracking.

The windows are breaking.

And if your home or office is anything like mine, there are at least a couple of people (okay, me) screaming.

Though it only lasts a couple of seconds, the violent, unbiased rage of an earthquake can impact you long after its come and gone. And while most websites and articles will offer tips on what to do during and immediately after an earthquake, few offer help, or ever address the long lasting emotional impact the trauma of a natural disaster can have on people. (This being Los Angeles, we’d much rather minimize anything that may seem neuroses based. Wait a second...)

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of minimizing the long-term effects of post-earthquake stress is recognizing you’ve gone through something…well…earth shattering.

I’m Too Sexy for my Trauma*

Ummm. No you’re not, big guy.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way. Acknowledging your feelings will help you recover. It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends.”

Of course the scope of impact will vary with the individual, but the most effective way to avert any long lasting, residual stress is to come to terms with the fact that you have been involved in a disaster of Richter Scale proportions.

Somethin’ Ain’t Right

In the days and weeks following an earthquake, particularly a tragic one, you may be feeling a little off yet not quite able to put your finger on why...

The likelihood is that you’re not talking much about the quake, so you wouldn’t think there are any post-disaster stress symptoms to worry about... Check the list below…are you experiencing any of these NORMAL side effects**?

• Difficulty communicating thoughts.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Difficulty maintaining balance in their lives.
• Low threshold of frustration.
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol.
• Limited attention span.
• Poor work performance.
• Tunnel vision/muffled hearing.
• Colds or flu-like symptoms.
• Disorientation or confusion.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Reluctance to leave home.
• Depression, sadness.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Mood-swings and easy bouts of crying.
• Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
• Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone.

Calming the Aftershocks

If you recognize that you ARE experiencing some of the milder symptoms on this list, there are simple things that can be done to ease your angst.

• Talk with someone about your feelings - anger, fear, sorrow and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.
• Do not hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel you cannot help directly in the rescue work (This doesn’t apply to Los Angeles-based disastrous events).
• Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation and meditation.
• Maintain a normal family and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
• Spend extra time with family and friends. Get back to your foundation.
• Participate in memorials.
• Take advantage of existing local support groups and religious institutions. Even online support groups could be beneficial.

If you find that you’re experiencing more of the symptoms, especially those that have a deeper emotional impact, you may want to seek professional counseling. Also, be particularly aware of the impact on young children and the elderly, as they are less likely to be able to communicate symptoms of distress.

The Shake, Rattle and Roll Conclusions

Living in Los Angeles, even while we’re subjected to our unfair share of UN-natural Disasters (those of the emaciated, Double-D variety), we can’t escape that one of the world’s greatest seismic fault lines lies beneath our feet (and homes), subjecting us to an unfair share of Natural Disasters.

When they occur, even after the moment of dropped-jaws, wide-eyes and mild shrieks are over, consider that there are many mental and physical symptoms we all experience, both in the short and long term. Arming yourself with the appropriate information and know-how can seriously reduce any trauma you may experience from a major shaker.

For more information on how to deal with Disaster Trauma, please go to:

FEMA Rebuild/Recover/Cope

* I, myself, may be suffering from Post Disaster Trauma. I just referenced Right Said Fred.
** If you’re in college, don’t let this be confused with Keg Related Trauma, or the 24 oz. flu.