AgriLife Extension, others offer materials for Goliath, other disaster victims

COLLEGE STATION – When winter storm Goliath tore through Texas in late December it brought more than heavy snow, ice and wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour. It brought the death of an estimated 23,000 dairy cows and other livestock, as well as great deal of personal and financial devastation to many people.

To help those in Texas and elsewhere affected by Goliath and other disasters, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has identified a number of publications by its agency and other cooperative Extension programs throughout the nation addressing some of the emotional and financial issues resulting from a disaster.

These publications, as well as other publications to prepare for and recover from disasters and emergencies, can be found at the Texas Emergency and Disaster Extension Network, or Texas EDEN, at http://bit.ly/1OmofPI.

“Natural disaster events are stressful, and those involved can experience both emotional and financial stress,” said Dr. Rick Peterson, AgriLife Extension family life specialist, College Station. “It is important to remember that in times of high stress to take steps to monitor the emotional and physical health of your family, co-workers and yourself.”

Peterson, who recently gathered information on publications providing guidance and resources for those affected by Goliath and other disasters, is a marriage and family therapist. He has seven years experience working as a crisis intervention specialist with the Kansas Agricultural  Mediation Service. He has counseled farmers on a number of issues, including stress due to financial hardship, and has coordinated long-distance interventions with sheriff offices to assist despondent farmers.

Peterson said the recent blizzard and aftermath likely has increased the amount of stress and strain for many producers and their families.

“Before I became a therapist, I was involved in farming and dairy,” he said. “I remember a couple of times we had to dump milk because the bulk truck couldn’t make it to the farm to pick it up. That was pretty hard on the cash flow, but was only a fraction of the type of economic and personal stress experienced by many of those affected by Goliath and other disasters.”

Peterson said for livestock owners and workers, the grief over the loss of animal life may be compounded with fear and insecurity about their future livelihood.

“Feelings of loss, grief, anger, anxiety and depression are normal reactions to a disaster, but it’s important to understand these feelings and learn how to best deal with the stressful conditions.”

He said there are tried-and-true methods of handling the emotional aftermath of a disaster, and people affected can take positive action to manage stress and build “an emotional and financial recovery plan.” Peterson gave tips on how people can better communicate under stressful conditions, manage their stress and find help for themselves or others.

“People should communicate frequently and be clear and direct in their communications. It’s important to not only be an active listener but to heed non-verbal messages as well as those spoken. You should be positive in your communications and speak honestly and openly.

“To manage stress, you can talk to a family member or friend or, if necessary, seek professional guidance. Talk with someone about your feelings, whether it’s anger, sorrow or another emotion, even though it may be difficult. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has experience with post-disaster stress.”

Peterson said it’s also important not to blame one’s self or feel responsible for a disastrous outcome or to be frustrated because of any inability to help one’s self or others.

“It’s vital after a disaster that people take steps to promote their own physical and emotional well-being by healthful eating, rest, exercise and relaxation.

“Try to maintain a normal family and daily routine and limit any additional demanding responsibilities for yourself or your family. It’s important not to withdraw and to maintain those relationships with friends and family. Family and friends, as well as religious institutions and clergy, can be excellent sources of support and comfort after a disaster.”

Peterson said it’s also important that friends and family try to help people they know who are in distress but seem to be unable to handle their situation.

“Become aware of mental health resources in your community,” he said. “Be alert to signs and symptoms that the person may need help and discuss your concerns with the person. Find out if he or she is willing to seek help and provide the person with referral information. Then follow up to see if the person took action and if the person or agency you referred was helpful.”

Peterson suggested specific publications from AgriLife Extension and other cooperative Extension services to help those affected by Goliath and other disasters:

— Stress in Adults After a Disaster: Warning Signs and Management, AgriLife Extension.

— Managing Stress, Anger, Anxiety and Depression on Dairy Farms, Colorado State University.

— Taking Charge: All About Stress, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

— Recognize and Manage the Stress of Farm Life, Ohio State University Extension.

— Stress Management After a Disaster, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

— Getting Through Tough Financial Times, University of Illinois Extension.

— Farm and Ranch Family Stress and Depression: A Checklist and Guide for Making Referrals, Colorado State Extension.

— Referring a Person for Help, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He also offered the following links for finding professional assistance:

— The Therapist Locator, listings of marriage and family therapists by zip code, city and state, http://therapistlocator.net/iMIS15/therapistlocator/.

— Psychology Today, listings of psychologists, therapists and counselors by state,

https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/.

— Texas Department of State Health Services, listings of local mental health centers in Texas,

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa/lmha-list/,

— Behavioral Health Collaborative of New Mexico, listings of behavioral health providers in New Mexico, http://www.newmexico.networkofcare.org/mh/.

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