Weekly Blog 5/13/18 - Natural Disasters and Stress

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Summary

Chronic stress is having stress for a long period of time. Things that cause chronic stress are overworking or commonly fighting with another person. Some of the feelings associated with stress are loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. When you are stressed a hormone called cortisol is released. Exposure to cortisol for a long period of time can shrink your hippo campus (a part of your brain). It can also effect your memory, learning, and stress control since too much cortisol causes a reduction in the connections between neurons. People who have been through or survived a natural disaster usually develop trauma and other mental health disorders like depression. They are often extremely stressed due to the fact that they have gone through a huge loss.

SP8: Communicating Information

I communicated the information I obtained by working with my group members to create a flyer on ways survivors can cope with mental health disorders like PTSD. After researching by reading articles, watching a video, and completing a formative, I created the flyer. One way that survivors can cope after going through a natural disaster is yoga and meditation. Both of these activities involve deep breathing and relaxation. Doing these as well as exercising ca reduce the effects of cortisol on the brain. Another thing we wrote was reaching out and offering support to others who have gone through similar ordeals. Helping out others benefits both you and the other person. It can make you happier and combat depression.

XCC: Cause and Effect 

A natural disaster can have many effects. For someone who went through the disaster, their physical and mental well being is usually hurt. Aside from getting injured, many survivors develop trauma, PTSD, depression and other mental health disorders. Natural disasters can even effect those far away watching the scene from a TV screen. Family members and friends far away from the action feel deep worry and fear from not knowing whether or not that person is okay. In addition to this, natural disasters effect the government and town. Restoring the damage done can be a lengthy and pricey process. Overall, a natural disaster is one cause with many negative effects.