How do natural disasters affect individual wellbeing?
This page is currently under review and the content will be updated soon.
The stress caused by natural disasters can affect our wellbeing in several ways.
Some common signs of stress may include but are not limited to:
• Physical symptoms: tiredness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite
• Behavioural: increased use of alcohol, cigarettes or other drugs to cope or escape the situation
• Psychological: poor concentration, poor memory, indecision, confusion
• Social: withdrawal, less contact with family and friends
• Emotional: feelings of anger, fear, sadness, irritability, helplessness, worry.
Most people experience these signs of stress at some point in their lives. However, if you are experiencing several at the same time or if they interfere with your ability to carry out daily activities, you should talk to someone you trust (e.g. partner, friend, relative) or seek help from your GP or another health professional.
Download our Natural Disasters PDF Toolkit here.
