Disaster stress is a normal response to a tragic experience. It may last days, weeks, months or years. It may not even show up until weeks or months after the disaster. 

Mind

• Difficulty with concentrating or making decisions

• Trouble remembering things

• Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event(s)

• Recurring or disturbing thoughts, images, or nightmares

• Withdrawing from people or activities that are usually enjoyable

Body

• Feeling tired or having difficulty sleeping

• Constantly feeling on alert for more danger 

• Jumpy reactions to noises, smells and other reminders

• Difficulty breathing or rapid heart beat 

• Frequent headaches, stomach problems, or other stuck body symptoms

• Feeling numb or detached somehow from others

Emotions

• Irritability, anger outbursts, or a tendency to blame others

• Mood changes, frequent crying 

• New or increased fears 

• Guilt about surviving, not having been able to prevent losses, etc. 

• Feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed

• Constant anxiety

• Disappointment with outside help

• Any number of other emotions

Spiritual

• A much deeper faith and sense of meaning in life

• A feeling of being abandoned by God or loss of purpose