1. MOVING FORWARD: Caring for Ourselves & Others after the Flood A presentation by Susan Shores, MSW Calgary Counselling Centre Suite 200, 940 – 6 th Ave SW Intake Phone: (403) 691-5991 www.calgarycounselling.com Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013

2. People are built to handle this

3. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 Distress is a common reaction Distress is temporary for most people Most peoples’ need for support is met by persons close to them Normal reactions after the flood:

4. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 COGNITIVEEMOTIONALPHYSICALBEHAVIORAL ConcentrationShockNauseaSuspicion ConfusionNumbnessHeadachesIrritability DisorientationOverwhelmedDizzinessArguments IndecisivenessDepressionTremorsWithdrawl Attention spanFeeling lostRapid heart rateSilence Memory lossFear of harmGastro Intestinal issues Inappropriate humor Decision makingFeeling nothingJumpiness+/- Eating Feeling abandonedPainChange in sexual desire/function UncertaintyFatigue+ Substance use VolatilityPoor sleepAggression Common responses to a traumatic event

5. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 You may have strong feelings right away. Or you may notice a change much later, after the crisis is over Stress can change how you act with friends and family It will take time for you to feel better and for your life to return to normal Give yourself and others time to heal It will take time before you or people you know start to feel better

6. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 Follow a normal routine as much as possible Eat healthy meals. Avoid missing meals or overeating Exercise and stay active Do something relaxing Help others in your community. Stay busy. Accept help from others. Talk about your feelings Limit sights and sounds of the disaster. Reduce exposure through TV, radio and internet. Ways to begin MOVING FORWARD:

7. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 People impacted by disasters can benefit from taking action; by moving beyond their situation and helping others Transforming - from victim to survivor OR transforming society to make it a better place. (ie. MADD) As seen by Calgary’s response to the flood there are benefits to giving back:

8. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 Be positive Explain the normal reactions to the flood Help them connect with their friends and family Listen but do not pressure people to talk about experiences Join them in a healthy meal, exercise and/or laughter Assist them in practical tasks they may find overwhelming Assist them to a professional if necessary Helping others cope with the flood

9. Biz Recovery Expo, Calgary, July 31, 2013 Is not able to care for him/herself or children Is not able to do his/her job Problems with eating or sleeping Uses alcohol or drugs to get away from problems Feel sad or depressed for more than two weeks Thinking about suicide Seek help when you or someone else …

10. Contact us Intake phone: (403) 691-5991 Calgary Counselling Centre is open Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. More information: calgarycounselling.com

11. Questions? Thank You!