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Disaster PTSD, explained

Taking time out from my writing blog to discuss a timely topic directly related to those affected by the California fires - PTSD, and what it will mean to you, because it will, if not today months or years from now:


In 1992 I was caught up in the Hurricane Andrew disaster. At that time, 57,000 structures were badly damaged or destroyed (the townhouse I was renting was badly damaged) and as my late sister's family might recall, I ended up staying with them, miles north of the disaster zone as it was called, for what seemed forever. In the case of the wealthy who lost a home to the fires, they can resettle immediately, but as they know and have said what they lost is more than what money can replace.


I recall in those first painful days after the hurricane disaster, being in my sister's community and feeling totally disconnected, but as I later discovered, the hard part for all impacted by the fires is yet to come.


When the fires are out and the media fold up their tents and move on to other breaking news, the victims - rich and poor - will be forgotten as we all were, even though they are still suffering in mind and body.


In fact, I found the hardest part started one year later as it often does when PTSD becomes a problem - and to be certain it will be for most if not all of the thousands affected by the fires.


Simple things that are an unknown trigger will become an emotional mine field.


Five years after Andrew I was in a theater watching "The Perfect Storm" and had to run to bathroom half-way through the film. I wouldn't have been there at all, but a meteorologist I once worked for was inspiration for the title as the author explained.


PTSD is awful at best, but it made me more sympathetic to anyone who suffers from it - kids who are caught up in school shootings, or war veterans, or all who suffer from natural or man-made disasters, the anxiety associated with the disorder can last for years - well beyond what society considers acceptable, the "Why are you still stuck back there?" thinking that only makes matters worse, and why telling family and friends helps - but not completely.


My heart is heavy for the many people who are suffering at the loss of the home and community. It took years for me to get past the Andrew experience but with God's help I did - but it takes time and that is what the tens of thousands will need to recover from the latest disaster.


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