Surviving a natural tragedy

For people who have lived through an environmental disaster, the trauma of losing their home or loved ones may translate into anxiety, depression, PTSD, even losing sanity maybe, and for years to come

He says, "In people who've suffered from a natural disaster, the body's immediate response is to go into a hyper-vigilant mode wherein panic attacks, anxiety, stress, and flashbacks of the event will be common. The psychological burden of grief and trauma takes a lot of time to process."

A 2013 article by the American Psychological Association had also noted, "Sirens, loud noises, burning smells, or other environmental sensations may stimulate memories of the disaster creating heightened anxiety."

What Dr. Tilwe says about the PTSD persisting for many months to come holds true for all the survivors that FE spoke with. It also happens because their lives are entirely capsized. Losing either your home or a loved one, or both in many cases, can leave wounds that are hard to heal.