You're prepared for the storm and trying to cope. Now what?

Hurricane Milton is coming to your town. Weathering the storm means preparation. 

So you're prepared. You've got supplies and a safe space. Your employer may have even closed your place of business and you've got some time at home ... to wait for it to be over. And think about it. And worry how bad it could be.

So the question is ... now what? 

Now is a time for coping strategies, including preparation, self-care, and identifying support systems. People can experience a wide range of emotions before and after a disaster or traumatic event. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. However, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope when these events happen.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), here are some ways to take care of yourself and loved ones in a trying time:

• Take care of yourself. Try to eat healthy, avoid drugs or heavy alcohol use, and get some exercise when you can—even a walk around the block and deep breathing (you should have some time for that early Wednesday) can make a difference to relieve stress.
• Reach out to friends and family. Talk to someone you trust about how you are doing. If you have children, talk to them. They may feel scared, angry, sad, worried, and confused. Let them know it’s okay to talk about what’s on their mind. 
• Limit your consumption of news. We live in a society where the news is available to us 24 hours a day via television, radio, and the Internet -- especially when a storm bears down, as "weather sells". The constant replay of news about a disaster or traumatic event can increase stress and anxiety. Reduce the amount of news you watch and/or listen to. Watch some mindless comedies or reruns.
• Get enough “good” sleep. Some people have difficulty falling asleep in the midst of a disaster or wake up throughout the night. If you have trouble sleeping, only go to bed when you are ready to sleep, avoid using cell phones or laptops in bed, and avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol at least one hour before going to bed. If you wake up and can’t fall back to sleep, try writing what’s on your mind in a journal or on a sheet of paper. (Wednesday will be a good time for a nap before the storm starts in earnest.)
• Understand there will be changes. Disasters can affect homes, schools, and places of business and worship and can disrupt the lives of people living in affected areas for a long time. Some people may also experience a temporary or permanent loss of employment. For children, being separated from peers, or after-school activities may be disrupted.
• Know when to ask for help. Signs of stress can be normal, short-term reactions to any of life’s unexpected events. What may seem like “everyday stress” can actually be depression or anxiety.