Tips for Teens: Building Resilience After The Hurricanes
1. Talk About It. Talk with parents and siblings and other relatives who may be close-by. Understand that parents may be afraid as well. In fact, it may be harder for parents to talk about it than it is for a teen.
2. Cut Yourself Some Slack. Losing a home and possessions, relocating, being disconnected from friends and relatives, having your life turned upside down are all serious stressors. A teenager’s emotions might already be all over the map because of hormones and physical changes; the uncertainty during the aftermath of the hurricanes can make these shifts seem more extreme. Be prepared for this and go a little easy on yourself and family.
3. Stick to the Program. Map out a routine and stick to it. You'll be doing all kinds of new things, but don't forget the routines that give you comfort, whether they are things to help your family get organized or develop a family strategy.
4. Take Care of Yourself. Be sure to take care of yourself--physically, mentally, and spiritually. And get sleep. If you don't, you may be more grouchy and nervous at a time when you have to stay sharp. There's a lot going on, and it's going to be tough to face if you're falling asleep on your feet.
5. Take Control. Make sure you are included in all family planning. Go over what each person will do in different scenarios.
6. Express Yourself. The situation after the Hurricanes can bring up a bunch of conflicting emotions, but sometimes, it's just too hard to talk to someone about what you're feeling. If talking isn't working, do something else to capture your emotions, such as writing.
7. Help Somebody. Nothing gets your mind off your own problems like solving someone else's. Offer to help your parents with younger siblings or get food and water for the family.
8. Put Things Into a Positive Perspective. If you're worried about whether you've got what it takes to get through this, think back on a time when you faced up to your fears, whether it was asking someone on a date or applying for a job. Learn some relaxation techniques, whether that is thinking of a particular song in times of stress or just taking a deep breath to calm down.
(Adapted from Resilience in Time of War: Wartime Stress and Teens)
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