Natural disasters: More than just physical damage Published July 12, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- When a natural disaster strikes, most people tend to think about all of the physical damage they have to deal with. A lost home, farm crop, or even business can be a devastating part of the experience. Moving from home to home, worrying about the children and how they're coping, and dealing with the uncertainty of what is left to go back to can all wreak havoc on one's mental health. It is important for everyone affected, including Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their families, to take care of their health, especially during times of increased stress. "Displaced persons can experience a lack of privacy, anger, despair and irritation," said Maj. Erik Goodwin, 5th Medical Operations Squadron traumatic stress response team chief and psychiatrist. Capt. Jeffrey Smith, 5th MDOS Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment program manager, pointed out the physical effects people can experience during prolonged periods of stress. "People can experience sleep disruption, physical fatigue and headaches during times of crisis," said Captain Smith. "That's why it's important to stay hydrated, eat well, and stay active." Health experts say stress is a normal part of most peoples' lives; but increased stress over a prolonged period of time, especially on a family, can be even more difficult to deal with. According to Sean Brotherson, a family science specialist at North Dakota State University, symptoms and signs of family stress can include conversations centered on time and tasks rather than people and feelings, explosive arguments, constant rushing from place to place, isolation in a room, and insufficient one-on-one contact. It is important to recognize and act on correcting these symptoms before they start to affect other aspects of one's life. This is where the 5th Medical Group mental health clinic comes in. "The mental health clinic has clinical psychologists, social workers, and a psychiatrist for active duty servicemembers," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cigrang, 5th MDOS behavioral health flight commander and clinical health psychologist. "We always have a provider on-call for a consultation, both during and after duty hours. We are also currently able to see spouses of active duty members on a space-available basis to provide consultation and link people up with basic needs. We will continue to do this as needed." "People can also be seen through their primary care manager," continued the colonel. "The PCM can refer people to the family practice behavioral health consultant, so one doesn't necessarily have to come to mental health." Colonel Cigrang said the mental health clinic is also available for informal worksite visits, as these can be great opportunities to provide brief advice and support. Social support and keeping a routine are also great ways to cope with increased stress during times of crisis. Donna Burt, a 5th MDOS family advocacy nurse, said young families can participate in many different activities through the Youth Center, the base library, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center, just to name a few. She said the internet can also serve as a very useful tool in finding things to do. "A good thing to search for on the internet is rainy-day activities," said Ms. Burt. "There are hundreds of activities listed. There are activities on how to build a fort and even how to make play dough. It's just remarkable." Aside from participating in activities, displaced individuals can do a lot to manage stress on their own. "Practice focusing on things you can control," said Colonel Cigrang. "Try not to worry about those things that you can't do anything about." Colonel Cigrang said that people are much more vulnerable when isolated. "It's important to maintain social connectiveness," he added. "People do much better when supported in a network rather than by themselves. Get involved in helping others as well. It's both positive and very beneficial." For more information on mental health services, how to cope with increased stress, or information on programs available, call 723-5527.