How To Deal With Emotional Stress From Fire Damage

 

The aftermath of a fire in your home can cause emotional distress. 

Fire damage can cause emotional distress

Residential fires can be a significant part of your life that shifts your everyday life around. They can lead to emotional distress and possible physical injuries. Losing your home in a fire involves not only the loss of your residence but also many other things of value like family photos, important documents and sentimental objects. Most importantly, though, a home is a place of security, comfort and safety. After a fire, this sense of security can also be lost and can significantly disrupt the normality of daily life. Below is a description of some emotions you may experience and steps you can take to recover.

Common reactions from a fire

Losing a home can cause significant emotional distress. You should not underestimate the challenge of evacuation, relocation, and rebuilding after a fire. We see it all the time, it is very difficult.

It is common for people to experience several stages of adjustment including anger, shock, sadness and a sense of lost hope. Ultimately, people can reach a stage of acceptance and become able to move beyond disbelief, bitterness and sadness. Positive feelings can begin to re-emerge as the focus shifts towards the future. Safety, security, and comfort are regained, and life moves forward once again.

Coping with the aftermath of a fire

Residential fires can lead to significant emotional distress in addition to possible physical injuries. Losing your home in a fire involves not only the loss of your residence, but also many other things of value such as photo albums, important documents, and treasured objects. Most importantly, though, the home is your place of security, comfort, and safety. In the aftermath of a fire, this sense of security can also be lost and can significantly disrupt the normality of daily life. Below is a description of some emotions you may experience and steps you can take to recover.

Common emotional reactions

Losing a home can cause significant emotional distress. You should not underestimate the challenge of evacuation, relocation, and rebuilding after a fire.

It is common for people to experience several stages of adjustment including shock, anger, depression, and hopelessness. Ultimately, however, people can reach a stage of acceptance and become able to move beyond disbelief, bitterness, and sadness. Positive feelings can begin to re-emerge as the focus shifts towards the future. Safety, security, and comfort are regained, and life moves forward once again.

Recovery and coping

In the middle of a crisis, it can become difficult to take care of yourself with so many other worries preoccupying your mind. However, this is a good time to think about your personal resiliency, healing and a sense of normality. Some self-care strategies you may want to consider are:

• Practicing proven stress-reduction techniques, such as regular exercises, meditation, and deep breathing.
• Allowing yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner.
• Giving yourself permission to feel good. You can have periods of joy even when coping with loss.
• Make small decisions daily in order to feel in control of your life once more.
• Putting off major life decisions, like switching jobs if possible.
• Lowering your expectations of what you “should be doing (take your time!)
• Not isolating yourself too much. Spending some time with people is healthy in recovery.
• Talking about your ordeal with friends and family.
• Taking advantage of community support.
• Focusing on what you are thankful for in spite of your loss.
• Staying away from unprescribed mood-altering substances like alcohol.
• Resting when possible and maintaining a normal sleep/wake cycle.
• Eating meals that are well-balanced and nutritious.

Residential house fires

Residential fires can lead to significant emotional distress in addition to possible physical injuries. Losing your home in a fire involves not only the loss of your residence, but also many other things of value such as photo albums, important documents, and treasured objects. Most importantly, though, the home is your place of security, comfort, and safety.

The security once felt can possibly disrupt everyday life. Below is a description of some emotions you may experience and steps you can take to recover.

Common emotional reactions

Losing a home can cause significant emotional distress. You should not underestimate the challenge of evacuation, relocation, and rebuilding after a fire.

It is common for people to experience several stages of adjustment including shock, anger, depression, and hopelessness. Ultimately, however, people can reach a stage of acceptance and become able to move beyond disbelief, bitterness, and sadness. Positive feelings can begin to re-emerge as the focus shifts towards the future. Safety, security, and comfort are regained, and life moves forward once again.

Recovery and coping

In the middle of a fire damage crisis, it can become difficult to take care of yourself with so many other worries preoccupying your mind. However, this is a good time to think about your personal resiliency, healing and a sense of normality. Some self-care strategies you may want to consider are:

Practicing proven stress-reduction techniques, such as regular exercises, meditation, and deep breathing. Allowing yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner. Giving yourself permission to feel good. You can have periods of joy even when coping with loss. Make small decisions daily in order to feel in control of your life once more. Putting off major life decisions, such as switching jobs, if possible. Lowering your expectations of what you “should be doing.” Be sure to not isolate yourself too much. Spending some time with people is healthy in recovery. Talking about your ordeal with friends and family.Taking advantage of community support. Focusing on what you are thankful for in spite of your loss. Staying away from unprescribed mood-altering substances, such as alcohol and other drugs. Get plenty of rest when possible and maintain a normal sleep/wake cycle. Eating well-balanced meals.

Children go through their own experiences

According to research, children, and adolescents can react in a variety of ways when dealing with fire including experiencing anxiety, nightmares and sleep disorders. A child’s ability to cope is highly influenced by how their parents and caregivers deal with crises. Because children often look to adults for guidance, support, and information, it is vital to work toward coping successfully so that you may serve as a positive role model for your children. You are likely their main source of security during this time. Be open to children sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Encourage them to return to their normal routines, including playtime. Be careful not to use your children as a way of venting your fears and worries.

Live Green Restoration recommends consulting with a licensed and experienced mental health professional. There are counselors, therapists and psychologists that are trained to help you successfully manage life’s hardships and pursue a plan for a more positive and meaningful future. We are here seven days a week, 24 hours a day.